A moderate magnitude 4.1 earthquake struck off the coast of Pangasinan early this morning, with weak shaking recorded in nearby areas but no damage expected, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS-DOST) reported.
Earthquake Details
The tectonic earthquake occurred at 6:11:25 AM on March 19, 2026, located 8 kilometers north 60 degrees east of Bolinao, Pangasinan. The earthquake originated at coordinates 16.42°N, 119.96°E at a depth of 26 kilometers beneath the Earth's surface.
PHIVOLCS classified the earthquake as tectonic in origin, meaning it resulted from the movement of rock formations along fault lines rather than volcanic activity.
Reported Shaking Intensity
The earthquake generated Intensity III shaking in Bani, Pangasinan, according to PHIVOLCS instrumental readings. Under the PHIVOLCS Earthquake Intensity Scale, Intensity III represents weak shaking that is felt by many people indoors, particularly those on upper floors of buildings, but may not be recognized as an earthquake by everyone.
People experiencing Intensity III shaking typically notice a vibration like a passing truck, with hanging objects swaying slightly.
No Damage or Aftershocks Expected
PHIVOLCS expects no damage from this morning's earthquake and does not anticipate aftershocks. The agency issued its earthquake information bulletin at 6:28 AM, approximately 17 minutes after the earthquake occurred.
This represents the final bulletin for this earthquake event unless additional information becomes available, PHIVOLCS stated.
Context for Negros Oriental Residents
While this earthquake occurred in northern Luzon waters and did not directly impact the Visayas region, it serves as a reminder for Negros Oriental residents of the Philippines' location in a seismically active area. The earthquake monitoring system demonstrates PHIVOLCS' continuous surveillance of seismic activity nationwide.
Residents throughout the Philippines, including Negros Oriental, should maintain awareness of earthquake preparedness as part of living in an earthquake-prone archipelago.
Official Monitoring
PHIVOLCS operates a nationwide network of seismic monitoring stations to detect and analyze earthquake activity. The agency provides real-time earthquake information to help communities understand seismic events and take appropriate safety measures when necessary.
Monitor official PHIVOLCS updates at phivolcs.dost.gov.ph for the latest earthquake information and seismic monitoring reports.