A Magnitude 5.5 Earthquake Jolts Eastern Visayas

Eastern Visayas was rocked by a magnitude 5.5 earthquake on Saturday morning, February 15, 2025, as reported by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). The earthquake struck at 9:18 a.m., with its epicenter located 39 kilometers northeast of Hernani, Eastern Samar. It had a shallow depth of 10 kilometers and was classified as tectonic in origin.

Impact and Affected Areas

The tremor was felt across several provinces, with different locations recording instrumental intensities. Phivolcs reported the following intensities in affected areas:

Intensity III (Weak):

Carigara, Leyte
Dulag, Leyte
Abuyog, Leyte
Villareal, Samar
Gandara, Samar

Intensity II (Slightly Felt):

Isabel, Leyte
Burauen, Leyte
Kananga, Leyte
Javier, Leyte
Palo, Leyte
San Roque, Northern Samar
Mapanas, Northern Samar
Basey, Samar
Marabut, Samar

Intensity I (Scarcely Perceptible):

Naval, Biliran
Bulusan, Sorsogon
Sogod, Southern Leyte

Phivolcs has warned that aftershocks are expected following the earthquake. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, though no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage have been received.

Related Seismic Activity in Masbate

Earlier on the same day, a magnitude 5.1 earthquake was recorded near Masbate province. This tremor occurred at 8:28 a.m., with its epicenter situated 29 kilometers southwest of Claveria, Masbate. Like the Eastern Visayas quake, it had a depth of 10 kilometers and was also tectonic. Phivolcs has advised residents in Masbate to be prepared for possible aftershocks.

The Philippines and the Pacific Ring of Fire

The Philippines sits along the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area known for frequent seismic activity due to movements in the Earth’s tectonic plates. This makes the country prone to earthquakes, some of which can cause significant damage and pose risks to residents.