A magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck Eastern Samar on Sunday afternoon, with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS-DOST) warning that damage and aftershocks are expected from the strong tremor.
Earthquake Details
The earthquake occurred at 2:09:46 PM Philippine Standard Time on May 4, 2026, with its epicenter located 18 kilometers north of San Julian in Eastern Samar. PHIVOLCS recorded the earthquake's coordinates at 11.82°N, 125.61°E, originating from tectonic movement at a depth of 57 kilometers.
Intensity Reports Across Eastern Visayas
The strongest ground shaking was recorded at Intensity VI in San Julian and Salcedo, both in Eastern Samar. According to the PHIVOLCS Earthquake Intensity Scale, Intensity VI shaking is characterized as "very strong" and can cause slight damage in poorly built structures.
Intensity V or "strong" shaking was reported in Can-Avid, Sulat, and Taft, all located in Eastern Samar. This level of shaking is generally felt by everyone and may cause hanging objects to swing considerably.
Widespread Intensity IV or "moderately strong" shaking was felt across multiple provinces. In Eastern Samar, this included Arteche, Balangiga, Balangkayan, Borongan City, Dolores, General Macarthur, Giporlos, Hernani, Jipapad, Lawaan, Llorente, Maslog, Maydolong, Oras, Quinapondan, and San Policarpo.
The same intensity level was recorded across numerous areas in Leyte province, including Alangalang, Burauen, Carigara, Dagami, Dulag, Julita, Palo, Pastrana, Santa Fe, Tabontabon, Tanauan, and Tolosa, as well as Tacloban City.
In Northern Samar, Intensity IV shaking was felt in Catubig, Gamay, Laoang, Lapinig, Mapanas, Mondragon, Palapag, Pambujan, Rosario, San Roque, and Silvino Lobos. Multiple areas in Samar province also experienced this level of shaking, including Calbayog City, Catbalogan City, and 15 other municipalities. Loreto in Dinagat Islands also reported Intensity IV.
Weaker Shaking Felt Across Broader Region
Intensity III shaking was reported as far south as Sorsogon province in Casiguran and Juban, and in Duero, Bohol. The tremor was also felt at this level across all municipalities in Biliran province, additional areas in Eastern Samar, extensive parts of Leyte including Ormoc City, Northern Samar, Samar, Southern Leyte, and Dinagat Islands.
Lighter Intensity II shaking reached areas in Masbate, Cebu, and Southern Leyte, while the weakest Intensity I shaking was detected in parts of Cebu, including Cebu City and Lapu-Lapu City.
Instrumental Readings
PHIVOLCS seismographic instruments recorded Intensity V readings in Can-Avid (Eastern Samar), Alangalang and Dulag (Leyte), and Catbalogan City and Gandara (Samar). Instrumental Intensity IV was recorded in several Leyte municipalities and Northern Samar areas, while lower instrumental readings were detected as far as Albay, Camarines Sur, and Catanduanes.
Damage and Aftershock Warning
PHIVOLCS explicitly states that damage is expected from this earthquake, particularly given the Intensity VI shaking recorded near the epicenter. The agency also warns that aftershocks are expected to follow the main earthquake.
Residents in affected areas, particularly those in Eastern Samar where the strongest shaking occurred, should inspect buildings and structures for cracks or damage. Areas that experienced Intensity IV shaking or higher should remain alert for potential aftershocks.
Official Monitoring
PHIVOLCS issued this earthquake information bulletin at 6:18 PM PHT on May 4, 2026, noting it will be the only bulletin released unless additional information becomes available. The agency has made an epicentral map available showing the earthquake's location.
Monitor official PHIVOLCS updates at phivolcs.dost.gov.ph