Magnitude 5.5 quake rocks Eastern Samar

MANILA, Philippines — A magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck off the coast of Eastern Samar yesterday, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.

Phivolcs said the quake hit 15 kilometers south of Homonhon Island in Guiuan at around 4:25 a.m.

The quake was tectonic in nature and had a depth of 71 kms.

Phivolcs said the quake was not expected to cause damage or generate aftershocks.

The temblor was felt at Intensity 5, which is classified as strong, in Guiuan and Mercedes towns in Eastern Samar.

It was felt at Intensity 4 or moderately strong in General MacArthur, Lawaan and Salcedo towns in Eastern Samar, and Abuyog, Alangalang, Baybay City, Dulag, Inopacan, Javier, La Paz, Mayorga, Palo, Sta. Fe, Tabontabon, Tanauan, Tacloban City and Tolosa in Leyte.

The quake was also moderately strong in Anahawan, Hinunangan, St. Bernard, San Francisco and San Juan in Southern Leyte, and Loreto and San Jose in Dinagat Islands.

Phivolcs said Intensity 3 was reported in Balangkayan, Borongan, Hernani, Llorente and Maydolong in Eastern Samar as well as in Babatngon, Barugo, Bato, Burauen, Capoocan, Dagami, Leyte, Mahaplag, Pastrana and Tunga in Leyte.

The temblor was also felt at Intensity 3 in Calbiga, Catbalogan, Hinabangan, Marabut, Pinabacdao, Sta. Rita and Villareal in Samar; Bontoc, Liloan, Silago, Sogod and Tomas Oppus in Southern Leyte; Basilisa in Dinagat Islands, and Surigao City.

It was slightly felt in parts of Biliran and other areas in Leyte, Southern Leyte and Surigao del Norte.