Cebu’s magnitude 5.4 quake felt in Eastern Visayas

TACLOBAN CITY – A magnitude 5.4 earthquake struck Monday afternoon with tremors felt across several parts of Eastern Visayas, prompting authorities to assess possible damage and impacts.

Based on initial data, the quake occurred at 3:22 p.m. with a depth of 10 kilometers. Its epicenter was traced near the City of Bogo in northern Cebu, but the shaking was felt in nearby provinces, including areas in Eastern Visayas.

Instrumental intensity reports showed Intensity IV shaking in the municipalities of Hilongos and Villaba, both in Leyte.

READ: Magnitude 5.4 earthquake strikes Cebu

Intensity III was recorded in several areas, including Isabel, Baybay City, Carigara, Ormoc City, and Abuyog, all in Leyte, and Hinundayan, Southern Leyte.

Meanwhile, Intensity II shaking was felt in Naval, Biliran; Dulag, Alangalang, Palo, all in Leyte; Silago, and Sogod, both in Southern Leyte.

A weaker Intensity I was also reported in Borongan City, Eastern Samar, and Gandara, Samar.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said it is still conducting an assessment to determine any possible damage or aftereffects of the tremor.

As of posting, no major damage or casualties have been reported. But local disaster risk reduction and management offices in affected areas are continuing to monitor and validate on the ground.

READ: Cebu power transmission stable amid magnitude 5.4 earthquake

Students like those at the Palompon Institute of Technology (PIT) in Palompon, Leyte, rushed outside their classrooms after the shaking.  

Authorities also reminded residents to remain alert for possible aftershocks and to follow safety protocols in the event of succeeding tremors./coa