A tremor rattled the dawn in Eastern Samar this Wednesday, a 4.8 magnitude earthquake jolting residents awake at 6:58 a.m. The earth’s movement sent ripples of sensation across a wide area, impacting life in ten different locations.
The quake’s origin lay beneath the sea, twenty-one kilometers north of San Policarpo. This offshore epicenter meant the energy spread outwards, affecting communities along the coastline and inland. The depth of the quake, twelve kilometers below the surface, played a role in how intensely it was felt.
Can-avid, Arteche, Dolores, Oras, San Julian, Taft, and Borongan City experienced a noticeable shaking, registering as Intensity III. This level is strong enough to be felt by many, causing slight swaying of structures. The tremor wasn’t confined to Eastern Samar, however.
Across the San Bernardino Strait, in Northern Samar, residents of Lapinig, Gamay, Pambujan, Palapag, Laoang, Mondaragon, and Mapanas also felt the quake. Intensity II was reported in Maydolong, Hernani, and Llorente in Eastern Samar, and Bobon and Catarman in Northern Samar, indicating a more subtle, yet still perceptible, shaking.
The effects extended further still, reaching San Jorge, Gandara, and Catbalogan City in Samar province. Even areas of Leyte, including Abuyog, Alangalang, Carigara, and Dulag, registered a faint Intensity I – barely perceptible, but recorded by sensitive instruments.
Instrumental readings confirmed the felt intensities, with Can-avid and Palapag registering Intensity III, and Gandara experiencing Intensity II. Despite the widespread sensation, initial reports indicate no structural damage occurred as a result of the earthquake.
Fortunately, experts predict no further tremors. The event was classified as tectonic in origin, meaning it was caused by the movement of the Earth’s plates, a common occurrence in this seismically active region of the Philippines. Residents can now return to their routines with a sense of relief.
