5.2-magnitude quake rattles Eastern Samar

MANILA, Philippines — A 5.2-magnitude earthquake rocked Guiuan, Eastern Samar on Friday afternoon, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.

Phivolcs’ initial earthquake bulletin said 5.1-magnitude quake hit Eastern Samar town but later raised it to 5.2 magnitude.

The quake hit 32 kilometers (kms) southwest of Guiuan, Eastern Samar at 1:31 p.m.

The earthquake, which was tectonic in origin, has a depth of 21 kms.

State seismologists said the quake was also felt as Intensity IV in Guiuan, Mercedes, Lawaan, Hernani and Salcedo City.

It was felt as Intensity III in Tacloban City, Palo, Babatngon, Dulag, Abuyog, Hilongos, Bato and Tolosa in Leyte and San Francisco, Southern Leyte, Borongan and Maydolong in Eastern Samar.

Intensity II – Pastrana, Leyte; San Julian, Eastern Samar; Maasin City, Bontoc, Libagon, Saint Bernard, Southern Leyte.

Phivolcs also recorded Instrumental Intensities including Intensity IV in Borongan City, Intensity III in Palo, Leyte, Intensity II in Surigao City and Intensity I in Ormoc City and Gingoog City

There is no significant damage reported from the quake. /jpv