Cebu, Philippines – A moderate earthquake with a magnitude of 5.4 struck Cebu on Monday afternoon, April 6, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
The tremor occurred at approximately 3:22 p.m., with its epicenter located 17 kilometers southeast of Bogo City. The earthquake’s depth of focus was recorded at 10 kilometers, indicating a relatively shallow origin which can often result in stronger shaking at the surface.
The intensity of the shaking varied across the affected regions. Bogo City and San Francisco in Cebu, along with Hilongos and Villaba in Leyte, experienced Intensity IV shaking, described as “moderately strong.” Weaker tremors, classified as Intensity III (“weak”), were felt in Liloan, Talisay, Cebu City, and Lapu-Lapu City in Cebu, as well as several locations in Leyte and Masbate.
Even fainter shaking, Intensity II (“slightly felt”), was reported in areas including Biliran, Capiz, parts of Cebu, Iloilo City, various towns in Leyte, Negros Occidental, and Southern Leyte. Scarcely perceptible shaking (Intensity I) was noted in more distant areas like Capiz, Eastern Samar, Guimaras, Iloilo, Masbate, Negros Occidental, and Samar.
Phivolcs has not reported any significant damage or casualties resulting from this earthquake. However, the agency typically advises residents in earthquake-prone areas to remain vigilant, secure their homes and workplaces, and be prepared for potential aftershocks. The recorded intensities suggest that while the shaking was felt widely across the Visayas region, it was most pronounced in the areas closer to the epicenter in northern Cebu. Authorities are monitoring the situation for any further seismic activity.
