Magnitude 5.7 earthquake rocks Northern Samar

A magnitude 5.6 hits Northern Samar on Friday afternoon, December 9, 2022, according to state seismologists. Photo from Phivolcs

MANILA, Philippines —  A magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck Northern Samar on Friday afternoon, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

State seismologists said the temblor occurred at 2:33 p.m. and that it located its epicenter 114 kilometers northeast of Mapanas town.

Up to Intensity IV was felt in Palapag, Northern Samar, Phivolcs noted, explaining that such a force is “moderately strong” and can be “felt generally by people indoors and by some people outdoors.”

Phivolcs also said that Intensity III was felt in Mapanas, Northern Samar and Irosin, Sorsogon; Intensity II in Lapinig, Gamay, Rosario, Biri, Laoang, Allen, and Catarman in Northern Samar; Arteche, San Policarpo, and Oras in Eastern Samar; Catbalogan City in Samar; San Miguel in Leyte; Sorsogon City; and Legazpi City; while it was felt at Intensity I in Tacloban City, Santa Fe, Pastrana, Julita, Babatngon, and Jaro in Leyte.

It further noted that the quake registered Instrumental Intensity III in Mapanas and Palapag in Northern Samar and Catbalogan City in Samar; Instrumental Intensity II in Masbate City, Bulan and Prieto Diaz in Sorsogon, and Rosario and San Roque in Northern Samar; and Instrumental Intensity I in Legazpi City and Tabaco City in Albay; Daet and Mercedes in Camarines Norte; Pili in Camarines Sur; Bulusan in Sorsogon; Can-Avid and Hernani in Eastern Samar; Abuyog, Alangalang, Baybay City, Dulag, Hilongos, and Kananga in Leyte.

The earthquake was tectonic in nature and had a depth of focus of 33  kilometers, according to state seismologists, who likewise said no damage or aftershocks may be expected from it.

On Wednesday, a magnitude 5.3 earthquake hit Camarines Norte, which was felt in parts of Metro Manila as well.

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