6.6-magnitude quake strikes eastern Philippines

MANILA – An offshore earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.6 jolted the eastern Philippines this evening, the Philippine Volcanology and Seismology Institute said.

No damage or casualties have been reported yet.

According to Xinhua, the institute said the quake, which occurred at 8.54pm local time, hit at a depth of 9km, about 120-km southeast of Gigmoto town in Catanduanes province.

The institute said the tectonic quake would trigger aftershocks and cause damage. The tremor was also felt in many areas on Samar Island and Bicol region on Luzon Island.

The Philippines has frequent seismic activities due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire. – Bernama, April 4, 2023