Magnitude 5.3 earthquake jolts Mercedes, Eastern Samar

A magnitude 5.3 earthquake shook Mercedes town in Eastern Samar province on Monday evening, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).

The earthquake, which was tectonic in origin and had a depth of five kilometers, occurred at 11:08 p.m.

It was located at northeast of Mercedes, PHIVOLCS said. The quake was also felt in the following areas:

• Intensity IV - Mercedes, General McArthur, Giporlos, Guiuan, Hernani, Quinapondan, and Salcedo, Eastern Samar
• Intensity III - Balangiga, and Lawaan, Eastern Samar; Tacloban City, Leyte
• Intensity II - Abuyog, Dulag, and Palo, Leyte

While no damage was expected from the quake, aftershocks were expected, PHIVOLCS said. -- BAP, GMA News