A magnitude 6.0 earthquake that struck Eastern Samar on Monday afternoon produced a weak but perceptible tremor in parts of Cebu, according to state seismologists.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the quake hit San Julian, Eastern Samar at 2:09 p.m. on May 4, revising its earlier magnitude 6.1 reading to 6.0 in an updated bulletin.
The agency placed the epicenter in San Julian town at a depth of 56 kilometers, classifying the event as moderately deep, which typically results in wider but less intense ground shaking.
Despite the distance, the tremor was felt lightly in parts of Cebu. Phivolcs recorded Intensity II in San Francisco, Cebu, while Cebu City and Carcar City registered Intensity I.
Intensity II is described as “slightly felt,” usually noticed by a few people indoors, while Intensity I is “scarcely perceptible.”
Phivolcs said aftershocks are expected following the quake, but no significant damage is anticipated based on current data.
The latest seismic activity comes amid a series of earthquakes previously felt in Cebu.
On April 6, a magnitude 5.4 quake struck northern Cebu with its epicenter located about 17 kilometers southeast of Bogo City.
The shallow 10-kilometer depth made the shaking more noticeable at the surface.
That event generated Intensity III shaking in Cebu City and nearby areas including Liloan, Talisay City, and Lapu-Lapu City, while stronger Intensity IV was recorded in parts of northern Cebu and Leyte.
Phivolcs also reported multiple aftershocks minutes after the April quake, ranging from magnitude 1.4 to 2.5.
Authorities continue to monitor seismic activity in the region, especially following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck near Bogo City on September 30, 2025, which caused deaths, injuries, and widespread structural damage.
Phivolcs reiterated its reminder for the public to remain alert and follow earthquake safety measures as ground movements can occur without warning. (LLP)
Comments