Phivolcs upgrades to magnitude 6.5 quake that jolted Eastern Samar town

MANILA, Philippines (Update 2 2:47 p.m.) — A 6.5 magnitude quake hit San Julian, Eastern Samar on Tuesday afternoon, a day after a powerful tremor struck Zambales that left buildings collapsed and at least 15 people dead.

Damage and aftershocks are expected, Phivolcs said of the earthquake which it initially measured at 6.2 magnitude.

The earthquake, which was tectonic in origin, was felt at 1:37 p.m., the state volcanology bureau said. A tsunami threat is not expected.

Intensity 6 was felt in the town of San Julian. Phivolcs categorizes this intensity as "very strong" that some people may lose their balance. It added that heavy objects or furniture would also move or may be shifted under this intensity while small church bells may ring. 

Intensity 5 was felt in Tacloban City; Catbalogan City, Samar; Gen. Mc Arthur, Salcedo and Guiuan Eastern Samar; Naval, Biliran; Catarman, Northern Samar; and Palo and Pastrana, Leyte. An earthquake with this intensity is considered "strong" and is felt by most people indoors and outdoors. Phivolcs said many sleeping people are awakened under this intensity and hanging objects swing violently.

Meanwhile, Intensity 4 was felt in Abuyog, Hilongos, Javier, Capoocan, Julieta, Baybay, Barogo, Jaro, MacArthur, Matalum and Villaba in Leyte; San Francisco, Southern Leyte; Bislig City, Surigao Del Sur; Iloilo City; Naga City; Sorsogon City; and Panganiban, Catanduanes. Intensity 4 is "moderately strong" and can be felt generally by people indoors and by some people outdoors. Under this intensity, light sleepers are awakened, according to Phivolcs. The vibration felt is likened to a passing of a heavy truck.

Binalbagan, Negros Occidental; Cabalian, Southern Leyte; Dimasalang, Masbate; Butuan City; and Cabadbaran City, on the other hand, felt a "weak" quake at Intensity 3. The tremor was slightly felt in Bago City and Bacolod City at Intensity 2.