6.0 magnitude quake causes damage, panic in Region 8

National

THE MAGNITUDE 6.0 earthquake that struck off the coast of San Julian, Eastern Samar on Monday afternoon, May 4, triggered damage and brief panic in several parts of Eastern Visayas.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) later downgraded the quake’s magnitude from 6.1 to 6.0. The tremor occurred at around 2:09 p.m.

Authorities quickly began assessing the impact near the epicenter.

A report by Inquirer.net stated that in Oras, Eastern Samar, a crucifix at the altar of San Pedro Calungsod Quasi-Parish was damaged due to the strong shaking, based on accounts from church officials and residents.

In Tacloban City, several students at Eastern Visayas State University reportedly fainted during the quake and were immediately assisted. As a precaution, some hospitals also moved patients and companions outside during the tremor.

Meanwhile, a house made of light materials in Jiabong, Samar sustained damage, particularly in Barangay Cantungtong.

Local disaster response teams, including the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office in San Julian, conducted rapid assessments to evaluate structural damage and ensure community safety.

Authorities have yet to release a consolidated report detailing the full extent of damage or any possible casualties, as monitoring and assessment operations continue across affected areas.(Zsarrhied Samantha A. Tanjay, CTU-TC BAEL-ELSD Intern)