
A 5.3-magnitude earthquake shook Eastern Samar and nearby provinces late Monday night, Oct. 24, said the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
Phivolcs said the quake struck 46 kilometers (km) northeast of Mercedes, Eastern Samar at 11:08 p.m. on Monday.
It said the earthquake was felt at Intensity IV (moderately strong) in Mercedes, General McArthur, Giporlos, Guiuan, Hernani, Quinapondan, and Salcedo in Eastern Samar.
Intensity III or weak tremor was also felt in Balangiga and Lawaan in Eastern Samar and Tacloban City.
Meanwhile, it was “slightly felt” at Intensity II in Abuyog, Dulag, and Palo in Leyte.
Phivolcs’ instruments also recorded the tremor at Intensity III in Borongan City and Dulag and Hilongos in Leyte; Intensity II in Abuyog and Alangalang in Leyte; and Intensity I in Baybay City, Albuera, and Javier in Leyte, Sogod, Southern Leyte, and Surigao City.
The earthquake was tectonic, which means it was caused by the movement of an active fault near the area.
Phivolcs advised the public to stay vigilant as aftershocks may occur.