2 Moderate Quake Jolts Eastern Samar

Two moderate earthquakes shook Eastern Samar province on Wednesday morning, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

In its bulletin, Phivolcs said the first quake struck at 5 a.m. with magnitude 3.8 and epicenter traced at 21 kilometers northeast of San Policarpio in Eastern Samar.

Phivolcs noted that Intensity 3 was felt in San Policarpo and Oras, Eastern Samar while Intensity 2 at Can-avid, Eastern Samar.

The quake, which was tectonic in origin, had a depth of 38 kilometers.

The second quake with magnitude 4.0 occurred around 5:05 a.m. in the same epicenter 36 km northeast of San Policarpio in Eastern Samar.

It added that Intensity 3 was felt again in San Policarpo and Oras, Eastern Samar while Intensity 2 in Can-avid and Borongan, Eastern Samar.

The quake, which was tectonic in origin, had a depth of 34 kilometers.

Phivolcs noted that despite the felt intensity from the two tectonic quakes, there was no casualty or damage reported from the two tremors.

It added that no aftershocks are expected from these quakes.

The Philippines lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, where 20 to 25 earthquakes per day — mostly imperceptible — are common, Phivolcs said. (PNA) FFC/CLTC/Niriza Mae A. Barquilla (OJT)