August 20, 1937 Earthquake: Luzon, Philippines

Reference #414:

1937, August 20. There was a strong earthquake with source apparently near Alabat Island. On this island the force of tremors was 7-8 degrees (VIII-IX Rossi-Forel). Almost all the homes tilted or suffered light damage. Thirty-seven people were injured. The earthquake caused damage to various structures at Polillo, Iloubnn (the shore dike was damaged), Atimonan, Gumaca, Lucban, Tayabas,

TAuseiia, Santa Cruz, Paete, Siniloan, Cavinti, Pililla, Tanay, Taytay, Yasig, Hanila, Antipolo, Caloocan, Cavite, San Miguel and Naga. Hundreds of people were injured. At Manila, the tremors continued for 4 minutes, and the strongest ones ones lasted 40 seconds. The earthquake was noticeable as far as Laoag, Iloilo, and according to dubious sources, the north of Mindanao Island. It was accompanied by numerous recurrent shocks.

The earthquake affected the sea. There were reports of a rise in water level at Quezon, on the south of Alabat Island and at the top of Calauag Ray. At Calauag, the level rose from the ebb tide mark to the flood tide mark in 10 minutes. Some rafts, on which several people were traveling up the Calauog River, were picked up by a strong flood current.

Gutenberg, Richter (1954): 20.VIII; 11h59m16s; 14.5 N,

121.5 E; M=7.5.

Reference #1187:

1937, August 20, 14.2 N, 122.1 E, magnitude 7.5, intensity VIII. One person died in Cavite due to fright when the quake struck, severe damage.

Reference #88:

1937, August 20, 11:59:16 UTC, 14.5 N, 121.5 E, depth 60 km, magnitude 7.5.

Reference #45:

1937, August 20, 11:59.3 UTC, 14.2 N, 122.1 E, near Abat Island, Philippines.