Magnitude 5.5 Earthquake Jolts Samar, Philippines

An earthquake with a magnitude reading of 5.5 struck Eastern Samar, Philippines on January 19, 2013, the Philippines Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported.

Earthquake in the Philippines - January 19, 2013

Phivolcs said the temblor, which was tectonic in origin and 49km deep, centered at 27km southeast of Borongan, Eastern Samar. The quake hit the area at 9:48p.m. and was felt at the following intensities:

Intensity V- Borongan, Llorente, Hernani, Balangkayan and Mercedes, E. Samar
Intensity IV- Tacloban City; Palo, Leyte; Basey, W. Samar; Taft, Eastern Samar
Intensity III- Abuyog, Tanauan, Tolosa, Leyte; Catbalogan, Samar; San Policarpo, E. Samar
Intensity II - St. Bernard, S. Leyte; Catarman, N. Samar
Intensity I- Surigao City; Iloilo City

The institute said it is expecting aftershocks from the quake. There were no immediate reports of damage and casualties.

The Philippine Archipelago lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, where continental plates collide causing frequent quakes.