MANILA, Philippines – A magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck off Eastern Samar on Thursday morning, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.

Phivolcs said the earthquake occurred at 08:43 a.m. Its epicenter was located 138 kilometers northeast of Guiuan

The following earthquake intensities were felt in these areas:

• Intensity V - Mercedes, Eastern Samar
• Intensity IV - Tacloban City, Borongan City, General MacArthur, Eastern Samar;
• Intensity III - Catbalogan City; Jaro; Dulag; Tolosa, Leyte
• Intenisty II - Capoocan; Dagami, Leyte

The earthquake was tectonic in origin which means it was caused by the movement of a local fault. It had a depth of 20 kms.

Phivolcs said aftershocks are expected from the quake. However, damage is unlikely.