Magnitude 6.1 quake strikes Eastern Samar; aftershocks expected

MANILA, Philippines (Updated 3:07 p.m.) — A strong magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck near San Julian, Eastern Samar on Monday afternoon, May 4, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported.

The tectonic quake hit at 2:09 p.m. at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers, with its epicenter located nine kilometers northwest of San Julian, according to Phivolcs' bulletin issued 2:17 p.m. today.

Phivolcs said it expects both damage and aftershocks from the earthquake.

The strongest shaking, at Intensity V, was felt in Can-avid, Eastern Samar, and in Dulag and Alangalang in Leyte. At that level, people can be shaken awake, and hanging objects swing considerably.

Intensity IV was recorded in three other Leyte towns — Abuyog, Palo, and Carigara — while Intensity III reached as far as Sorsogon province in southern Luzon, as well as areas in Biliran, Southern Leyte, and parts of Eastern Samar.

Lighter tremors were felt across a wide swath of the Visayas and parts of Mindanao, with Intensity II reported in Cebu and Masbate provinces, and Intensity I reaching Cebu City, Albay, Iloilo, and even Sta. Maria in Davao Occidental. 

Work, classes suspended

Following the quake, Gov. Ralph Vincent Evardone ordered the suspension of classes and work across all government offices in Eastern Samar.

The move allows authorities to assess possible damage and ensure the safety of employees, according to the provincial advisory.

"Residents are advised to remain alert for aftershocks and follow safety advisories issued by local disaster response agencies," the advisory read.

The provincial government said additional updates would be released as assessments continue. — Cristina Chi with a report from John Marwin Elao and Anj Andaya