The death toll in the twin earthquakes that shook the Philippines rose to eight, officials said on Saturday. Earlier, media reported that at least five people were killed and 12 other sustained injuries in the two earthquakes that occurred near the northern islands of the Philippines during the night.
On Friday, the US Geological Survey reported that a 5.4 earthquake was registered east of the island of Itbayat in the northernmost part of the Philippines on 2016 hrs (GMT).
Soon after, a 5.9 magnitude earthquake was registered at 2337 hrs (GMT) around that same area. Another earthquake, of 5.7 magnitude, was registered on Saturday at 0124 hrs (GMT).
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the second quake hit at a depth of 43 km about 19 km northwest of Itbayat. Both quakes were tectonic in origin.
According to the institute, the tremors were also felt in the towns of Basco and Sabtang. Aftershocks are expected, the institute said.
(UNI)
