Quakes jolt Eastern Visayas, Batanes

MANILA, Philippines — Earthquakes shook parts of Eastern Visayas and Batanes yesterday.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said a magnitude 5 quake struck 14 kilometers northeast of Basey, Samar at about  9:07 a.m.

The quake was felt at Intensity 4, which is classified as moderately strong, in Basey and Sta. Rita towns in Samar and Tacloban City, Leyte.

It was felt at Intensity 3 in Catbalogan City, Samar; Barugo in Palo and Pastrana in Leyte, and Lawaan, Eastern Samar.

The quake was felt at Intensity 2 in Abuyog, Capoocan, Carigara, Dagami, Dulag, Jaro, Javier and Tabontabon, in Leyte and Borongan City, General MacArthur and Maydolong in Eastern Samar.

Phivolcs said there was no immediate report of damage or injury, but warned the public of aftershocks.

A magnitude 4.8 quake struck 44 kms southeast of Sabtang, Batanes at around 10:01 a.m.

The tremor was felt at Intensity 3 in Basco.

Phivolcs said no damage or aftershocks were expected from the quake.