Photo from Phivolcs
A magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck off the coast of Masbate on Monday morning, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
Phivolcs said the tectonic earthquake occurred 40 kilometers southwest of Claveria town at 8:53 a.m. It had a shallow depth of seven kilometers.
Instrumental intensities were recorded in parts of Sorsogon, Masbate, Camarines Sur, and Albay, with the strongest reading at Intensity III or weak shaking in Castilla, Donsol, and Sorsogon City.
Slight shaking was recorded in Aroroy, Masbate; Pili, Ragay, and Sipocot in Camarines Sur; and Tabaco, Albay. Scarcely perceptible shaking was also measured in Bulusan, Sorsogon, and Batuan, Masbate.
Phivolcs said no reports of felt intensity had been received as of posting time.
The agency explained that instrumental intensity refers to ground motion measured by equipment, while felt intensity is based on actual reports from people who experienced the shaking.
Phivolcs said the earthquake was not expected to cause damage and was unlikely to generate aftershocks.
Authorities continued monitoring the area for possible developments following the earthquake.