Magnitude 5.2 earthquake hits Samar

A magnitude 5.2 earthquake struck Samar on Monday afternoon, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said.

The quake, which occurred at 12:57 p.m., had its epicenter at 11.55°N, 125.13°E - 015 km S 56° E of the municipality of Calbiga.

It had a depth of 72 km and was tectonic in origin.

Intensity V was felt in the City of Borongan in Eastern Samar; and Calbiga and City of Catbalogan in Samar.

Intensity IV was experienced in:

• Balangiga, Balangkayan, and Maydolong, Eastern Samar;
• Abuyog, Alangalang, Babatngon, Carigara, Dagami, Dulag, Jaro, La Paz, Mahaplag, Mayorga,
• Palo, Pastrana, Santa Fe, Tabontabon, Tanauan, Tolosa, and Tunga, in Leyte; and
• Tacloban City.

Intensity III meanwhile was recorded in:

• Hernani, Llorente, and Mercedes in Eastern Samar;
• Burauen, Julita, Kananga, and Leyte in Leyte Province;
• Basey, City of Calbayog, Marabut, and Villareal in Samar; and
• Hinunangan, Silago, and Sogod in Southern Leyte.

Intensity II on the other hand was felt in:

• Biliran, Cabucgayan, Culaba, and Naval in Biliran;
• Can-Avid and Guiuan in Eastern Samar;
• Albuera, Bato, City of Baybay, Calubian, Capoocan, Hilongos, Hindang, Inopacan, Isabel, Palompon, and Villaba in Leyte;
• Ormoc City;
• Rosario, Northern Samar;
• Daram, Hinabangan, Jiabong, Pinabacdao, San Jorge, San Jose De Buan, San Sebastian,
• Santa Margarita, Talalora, and Tarangnan in Samar; and
• Malitbog and Tomas Oppus in Southern Leyte.

PHIVOLCS said no damage is expected but aftershocks may occur.

The earthquake was initially reported by PHIVOLCS as having magnitude 5.6, before revising it and downgrading it to magnitude 5.2. —KG, GMA Integrated News