The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) recorded a 5.8-magnitude earthquake at 7:39 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 23, in Southern Leyte.
The earthquake’s epicenter was located 6 kilometers southeast of San Francisco, Southern Leyte, at a depth of 14 kilometers.
It was felt at Intensity VI (very strong) in San Francisco, Southern Leyte; Intensity V (strong) in Anahawan, Hinunangan, Hinundayan, Libagon, Liloan, Padre Burgos, Pintuyan, San Juan, and San Ricardo in Southern Leyte; and Intensity IV (moderately strong) in Abuyog, Bato, City of Baybay, Hilongos, Hindang, and Inopacan in Leyte, and Bontoc, Limasawa, City of Maasin, Macrohon, Malitbog, Saint Bernard, Silago, Sogod, and Tomas Oppus in Southern Leyte.
Meanwhile, it was registered at Intensity III (weak) in Cebu City in Cebu, Alangalang, Albuera, Barugo, Burauen, Carigara, Dagami, Dulag, Jaro, Javier, Julita, Kananga, Macarthur, Mahaplag, Mayorga, Merida, Palo, Santa Fe, Tanauan, and Tolosa in Leyte, and City of Surigao in Surigao del Norte, and Intensity II (slightly felt) in Babatngon, Isabel, and Palompon in Leyte and Cagayan de Oro City.
Phivolcs said the quake was tectonic, which means it was caused by an active fault near the area.
The public is advised to stay vigilant as aftershocks may occur.