(Eagle News) — The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) upgraded to magnitude 6.5 the quake that hit Eastern Samar earlier Tuesday afternoon, April 23, which it had earlier recorded at magnitude 6.2.
The quake was located nine kilometers northwest of San Julian, Eastern Samar with a depth of 63 kilometers.
Ishmael Narag, OIC of the Phivolcs Seismological Observation and Earthquake Prediction Division, said they raised the magnitude to 6.5 after receiving more data from the ground.
It was felt at intensity 5 in Tacloban City; Catbalogan City, Samar; Gen. Mc Arthur, Salcedo and
Guiuan Eastern Samar; Naval, Biliran; Catarman, Northern Samar; Palo and Pastrana, Leyte.
The quake was felt at intensity 4 in Abuyog, Hilongos, Javier, Capoocan, Julieta, Baybay, Barogo, Jaro, MacArthur,
Matalum, Villaba, Leyte; San Francisco, Southern Leyte; Bislig City, Surigao Del Sur; Iloilo City;
Naga City; Sorsogon City; and Panganiban, Catanduanes.
It was also felt at intensity 3 in Binalbagan, Negros Occidental; Cabalian, Southern Leyte; Dimasalang, Masbate; Butuan City; and Cabadbaran City.
Phivolcs said that damage and aftershocks are expected after the strong tremor.
But it noted at the same time, that because the latest tremor was very deep at 63 kilometers it was felt less on the surface.
