Magnitude 5.6 quake jolts Eastern Samar

MANILA, Philippines — A magnitude 5.6 earthquake hit off the coast of Eastern Samar yesterday afternoon.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the epicenter of the quake was located 76 kilometers east of Hernani town. The quake struck at 2:50 p.m.

The quake was tectonic in origin and had a depth of focus of seven kilometers.

Phivolcs initially said the quake was a magnitude 6.1, but lowered it to 5.6.

State seismologists said no damage was expected but aftershocks could follow.

The temblor was felt at Intensity 5, which is classified as strong, in Hernani and Llorente.

It was felt at Intensity 4 or moderately strong in Borongan City, Gen. MacArthur, Balangkayan, Maydolong and Salcedo.

The shaking was was reported at Intensity 3 in Quinapondan, San Julian, Sulat, Taft, Mercedes, Guiuan, Giporlos, Lawaan and Balangiga, also in Eastern Samar, and Tacloban City in Leyte.

The quake was felt at Intensity 2 in Can-avid, Dolores, Oras, San Policarpo, Palo, Tanauan, Dulag, Babatngon, San Miguel, Pastrana, Barugo, Carigara, Tabontabon and Julita in Leyte as well as in Basey and Sta. Rita in Samar.