The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) announced a decline in earthquake activity in the Manila Trench off the coast of Santa Catalina, Ilocos Sur, after a series of tremors were recorded starting December 17.
In an update on Wednesday evening, PHIVOLCS reported that the highest number of seismic events occurred between December 19 and 20, with 49 earthquakes documented. Over the past five days, however, the frequency of these quakes has significantly dropped.
The offshore earthquakes had raised concerns about a potential magnitude 8.4 earthquake in the Manila Trench, which could generate a tsunami with waves ranging from three to 15 meters. Simulations indicate that such a tsunami could reach Palauig, Zambales, within two minutes, with waves up to 14.7 meters potentially impacting Vigan, Ilocos Sur.
