A magnitude 6.9 earthquake rocked Cebu on Tuesday night, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported.
Phivolcs said it was expecting damage and aftershocks from the quake, which occurred at 9:59 p.m.
Phivolcs initially reported it as a magnitude 6.7 quake, but later upgraded it to magnitude 6.9.
It stated that the epicenter of the quake was located approximately 21 km northeast of Bogo City.
The quake, of tectonic origin, had a depth of 5 km.
It was felt at Intensity V in Argao, Cebu; Sipalay City, Negros Occidental; Lapu-Lapu City; and Tacloban City.
It was felt at Intensity IV in San Fernando in Cebu; Bulan, Bulusan and Casiguran in Sorsogon; Roxas City in Capiz; Himamaylan City in Negros Occidental; Ubay in Bohol; Lawaan in Eastern Samar; Laoang in Northern Samar; Catbalogan City in Samar; and Dipology City in Zamboanga del Norte.
It was also felt at Intensity III in Legazpi City in Albay; Iriga City in Camarines Sur; Donsol in Sorsogon; and Tibiao in Antique.
Instrumental Intensity VI was reported in Cebu City and Villaba, Leyte.
Instrumental V was reported in the following areas: Esperanza, Masbate; Argao, Asturias, Danao City, and Talisan City in Cebu; Lapu-Lapu City; Abuyog, Carigara, and Hilongos in Leyte; and Ormoc City.
Instrumental Intensity IV was reported in Bulusan, Sorsogon; Roxas City and Tapaz in Capiz; Moalboal, Cebu; Kawayan in Biliran; Alangalang in Leyte; Palapag in Northern Samar; Sogod in Southern Leyte; and Magsaysay in Davao del Sur.
Posts on social media showed damage on some structures, including a church, a hotel and a fast food restaurant.
Phivolcs issued a “minor sea-level disturbance” advisory after the quake.
“The concerned public is advised to be on alert for unusual waves. People are advised to stay away from the beach and not to go to the coast of the following provinces until the cancellation of the advisory,” added Phivolcs, referring to Leyte, Cebu and Biliran.
“People whose houses are located very near the shoreline of these provinces are advised to move farther inland,” added Phivolcs.
Phivolcs said owners of boats in harbors, estuaries or shallow coastal water in the three provinces “should secure their boats and move away from the waterfront.”
“Boats already at sea during this period should stay offshore in deep waters until further advised,” added Phivolcs.
