MANILA, Philippines — A magnitude 5.7 earthquake jolted Northern Samar yesterday morning, prompting the local government of Catarman to cancel classes, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.
Phivolcs said the temblor was first recorded to be magnitude 6, but was later downgraded to 5.7.
Catarman Mayor Francisco Aurelio Rosales III decided to cancel classes to ensure the safety of students.
The quake occurred at 11:39 a.m. and its epicenter was located 34 kilometers north of Pambujan town.
No damage to property was expected from the quake, but it may generate aftershocks.
The quake was felt at Intensity 5 in Bobon, Catarman, Laoang, Lavezares, Palapag, Rosario and San Roque in Northern Samar, and Intensity 4 in Pilar and Sorsogon City in Sorsogon.
Intensity 3 was felt in Legazpi and Tabaco in Albay, Virac in Catanduanes, Masbate City, Bulusan and Irosin in Sorsogon, and Burauen and Javier in Leyte.