Magnitude 5.4 aftershock rocks Leyte

MANILA, Philippines — A magnitude 5.4 tremor shook Ormoc City, Leyte on Monday morning.

In its latest earthquake bulletin, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said the tremor is an aftershock of the magnitude 6.5 quake that struck Jaro, Leyte last Thursday.

The aftershock occurred at 9:41 a.m. Its epicenter was located 15 kilometers north 81° east of Ormoc City.

The very strong quake was felt at various intensities in Leyte and neighboring provinces.

Ormoc City experienced the tremor at Intensity VI while Kanaga, Leyte felt it at Intensity V. On the other hand, Mayorga, Leyte; Tacloban City; and Mandaue City recorded Intensity IV quake in its scale.

Other neighboring provinces of Loay and Jagna in Bohol and Cebu City felt the quake at Intensity III while Lapu-Lapu City; Cadiz City, Negros Occidental; and Palo, Leyte experienced the tremor at Intensity II.

Phivolcs described quakes felt at Intensity VI as very strong.

During which, trees are noticeably shaken and poorly built and old houses such as man-made structures are slightly damaged. Limited rockfalls and rolling boulders may occur in elevated areas, wall plaster may crack and heavy objects may move or be shifted.

The magnitude 5.4 quake had a depth of focus of six kilometers and is tectonic in origin.

Several other aftershocks were recorded in Leyte and nearby provinces in Eastern Visayas since the magnitude 6.5 quake last July 6.

Phivolcs already warned the public to remain vigilant of damage and continued aftershocks.