Magnitude 5.6 Earthquake Strikes Samar and Leyte

Samar, Philippines – A magnitude 5.6 earthquake hit parts of Samar and Leyte provinces shortly past noon on Monday, as reported by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). The quake’s epicenter was located 11 kilometers northeast of Calbiga, Samar, occurring at 12:57 p.m.

According to Philippines News Agency, Residents in Calbiga and surrounding areas experienced Intensity V shaking, while Intensity IV was felt in Tacloban City and nearby towns. Phivolcs clarified that the quakes were tectonic in origin, indicating that the tremor resulted from the movement of an active fault in the area.

Local authorities are currently assessing the extent of the damage caused by the earthquake. Phivolcs noted that seismic activity in Samar is influenced by several active faults, including the Central Samar, Eastern Samar, and Salcedo Faults. Additionally, the subduction of the Philippine Sea Plate along the Philippine Trench contributes to the region’s earthquake activity. The presence of other local faults, which may not be visible on the surface, can also be sources of small to moderate-magnitude earthquakes.

This seismic event follows a magnitude 6.8 earthquake that struck off the coast of Sarangani last Friday. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has reported that at least eight people are feared dead in the aftermath of these earthquakes.