M6.5 earthquake near Laoag, Ilocos

What happened

A magnitude 6.5 earthquake struck 16 km ENE of Piddig, Philippines on 17 Aug 1983, 12:17 UTC at a depth of 29 km.

Earthquakes of this size are classed as Strong. Can cause damage in populated areas up to tens of kilometres away. This was a shallow earthquake, which tends to be felt more strongly at the surface.

The nearest town in our records is Laoag, about 28 km away in Ilocos, Philippines.