A magnitude 4.4 earthquake struck off the coast of Eastern Samar on Friday afternoon, Oct. 31, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported.
In its Earthquake Information No. 2, the agency said the quake occurred at 4:57 p.m. and was tectonic in origin, meaning it was caused by the movement of rock layers beneath the Earth’s crust.
Phivolcs said the tremor’s epicenter was located 13 kilometers north and 64 kilometers west of San Policarpo, Eastern Samar, with a depth of 13 kilometers.
The agency recorded Intensity III in San Policarpo, Eastern Samar and in the towns of Mapanas and Palapag in Northern Samar.
Instrumental intensities were also reported at:
• Intensity III – Palapag, Northern Samar
• Intensity II – Mapanas, Northern Samar
• Intensity I – Can-avid, Eastern Samar
Phivolcs said it does not expect any damage or aftershocks from the quake.