Eastern Samar, Philippines – A 5.6 magnitude earthquake struck Eastern Samar on Thursday, causing various levels of shaking across the region, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
According to Philippines News Agency, the tectonic tremor occurred at 2:50 p.m. with an epicenter located 76 kilometers north of Hernani town at a shallow depth of seven kilometers. Intensity V tremors were reported in Hernani and Llorente, while Intensity IV was experienced in General MacArthur, Balangkayan, Maydolong, Salcedo, and Borongan City.
Less severe shaking at Intensity III was felt in a broader area including Quinapondan, San Julian, Sulat, Taft, Mercedes, Guiuan, Giporlos, Lawaan, and Balangiga in Eastern Samar, as well as Tacloban City in neighboring Leyte. Intensity II effects were noted in several Leyte municipalities, including Can-avid, Dolores, Oras, San Policarpo, and extending to Palo, Tanauan, and others. The nearby Samar areas of Basey and Santa Rita also reported mild tremors.
Phivolcs has assured the public that no damage is expected due to the earthquake, but it has issued a warning for possible aftershocks that may follow the initial quake.