MAGNITUDE 5.8 EARTHQUAKE WAS FELT IN LEYTE

6:16 on Friday evening, an earthquake was felt across the province of Leyte especially in the town of Dulay Leyte with a magnitude of 5.8 earthquake and intensity level VI. According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) it was tectonic origin and had a depth of focus of 10 kilometers.

An earthquake struck the waters off Leyte (Photo courtesy of Phivolcs/Inquirer)

The epicenter was pinpointed at coordinates 10.83°N, 125.30°E, approximately 32 kilometers and 65 degrees east of Dulay Leyte. In some towns of Leyte, an intensity level V that indicates significant shaking capable of causing light to moderate damages was felt in the areas of Abuyog, Mahaplag, and Burauen.

Intensity 4 was experienced in Jagna, Bohol; in Eastern Samar, in the City of Borongan and the towns of Balangiga, General Macarthur, Giporlos, Hernani, Lawaan, Llorente, and Quinapondan; in Leyte, in the cities of Tacloban, Ormoc, and Baybay, as well as the towns of Barugo, Calubian, Dagami, Hilongos, Jaro, Javier, Julita, Kananga, Palo, Pastrana, San Miguel, and Santa Fe; in Samar; in Basey town; and in Southern Leyte, in Bontoc, Malitbog, and Sogod.

Intensity 2 was recorded in Bogo City, Cebu, and Pintuyan town in Southern Leyte, and Intensity 3 was reported in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, and Surigao City in Surigao del Norte.

According to the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officer of Dulag town, several residents panicked during the earthquake, where two persons were reported injured. A woman jumped from the second floor of a store causing her suffer from injuries while pregnant woman fainted and fell from the stairs. 

Because the Philippines is located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, seismic activity is expected in the area, making earthquakes occurring frequently. It is expected that local authorities will carry out additional evaluations in order determine the magnitude of the earthquake's impact and provide the required support to affected people.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer

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