A magnitude 6.1 earthquake shook Eastern Samar on May 4, 2026, at around 2:00 PM, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS). The earthquake's epicenter was located nine kilometers northwest of San Julian, Eastern Samar, with a depth of 10 kilometers.
Intensity Levels Reported
The earthquake was felt at various intensity levels across the region:
- Intensity V was recorded in Can-Avid, Eastern Samar; Dulag and Alangalang in Leyte; and Gandara in Samar, where strong shaking caused fear among residents.
- Intensity IV was felt in Abuyog, Palo, and Carigara in Leyte.
- Intensity III was reported in Naval (Biliran), Hernani (Eastern Samar), Ormoc City, Hilongos, Albuera, Baybay, Villaba, and Isabel in Leyte, as well as Sorsogon City and Bulusan in Sorsogon, and several towns in Southern Leyte.
- Intensity II was noted in Kawayan (Biliran), San Francisco (Cebu), Monreal and Esperanza (Masbate), and Prieto Diaz (Sorsogon).
- Intensity I was felt in Tabaco (Albay), Carcar, Liloan, and Cebu City (Cebu), Sta. Maria (Davao Occidental), Passi City (Iloilo), Aroroy and Cataingan (Masbate), Donsol (Sorsogon), and Maasin (Southern Leyte).
Historical Context
Tacloban and the entire Eastern Visayas region have long been at risk of strong earthquakes due to their location along the Pacific Ring of Fire and the Philippine Fault Zone. One of the most destructive earthquakes to hit the region was the magnitude 7.6 Samar earthquake on August 31, 2012, which caused intense shaking in Tacloban and widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure. It was felt across parts of Visayas and Mindanao, raising fears of a tsunami. Additionally, on July 6, 2017, a magnitude 6.5 earthquake struck Leyte, originating from the Leyte Segment of the Philippine Fault. That quake resulted in building damage, casualties, and widespread power outages in Tacloban and surrounding areas. Historically, the 2012 Samar earthquake is considered the most destructive in Eastern Visayas due to its strength and impact, while the 2017 Leyte earthquake underscored the ongoing seismic threat to the region.
