LEYTE, Philippines — A magnitude 5.8 earthquake hit the province of Leyte on Friday evening, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). The seismic event occurred northeast of the municipality of Abuyog, shaking the region and surrounding areas.
According to Philippines News Agency, the earthquake struck at 6:16 p.m., 36 kilometers northeast of Abuyog, and had a depth of 10 kilometers. The quake, of tectonic origin, was felt across multiple municipalities with varying intensities. The highest recorded was Intensity V in several Leyte towns including Abuyog, Burauen, and Dulag, as well as in Hinunangan and Hinundayan in Southern Leyte.
Intensity IV was reported in Jagna, Bohol; various towns in Eastern Samar such as Balangiga and Borongan City; and numerous locations in Leyte including Ormoc City and Tacloban City. Lesser intensities were felt as far away as Tagbilaran City in Bohol and Surigao City in Surigao del Norte, which experienced Intensity III. Intensity II was recorded in the City of Bogo, Cebu, and Pintuyan, Southern Leyte.
While there was no tsunami warning issued, the report indicates that both aftershocks and potential damage from the earthquake are possible.