A shallow tectonic earthquake with a magnitude of 5.3 jolted Albay and surrounding provinces late Friday evening on June 5, 2026, prompting the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS-DOST) to warn that both structural damage and follow-up tremors should be expected in affected communities.
Earthquake Details and Location
According to PHIVOLCS-DOST, the quake was recorded at exactly 9:57:58 PM Philippine Standard Time (PHT) on June 5, 2026. The agency placed the epicenter at coordinates 13.21°N, 123.92°E — approximately 15 kilometers south-southeast of Santo Domingo in Albay. The earthquake originated from a very shallow depth of just 9 kilometers beneath the surface, a characteristic that significantly amplifies ground shaking across a broad area.
PHIVOLCS released this information through its Earthquake Information No. 2 bulletin, published at 10:46 PM PHT the same night. The agency confirmed the event was tectonic in nature, meaning it was caused by movement along geological fault structures rather than volcanic activity.
Scope of Shaking Across Provinces
PHIVOLCS-DOST documented shaking intensities across multiple provinces using the PHIVOLCS Earthquake Intensity Scale (PEIS), drawing from both resident-reported observations and readings taken by seismic instruments in the field.
Observed Intensities from Residents and Local Reporters
The strongest observer-reported shaking reached Intensity V — described as strong shaking felt by nearly everyone, with many people awakened from sleep and some objects falling — in Santo Domingo and Legazpi City, both in Albay.
Intensity IV shaking, considered moderately strong and characterized by rattling windows and visibly swinging hanging objects, was reported across several communities: the cities of Tabaco and Ligao, as well as Malilipot in Albay; and Cogon, Irosin, and Donsol in Sorsogon.
A wider area experienced Intensity III — felt by many people indoors, comparable to vibrations from a passing heavy vehicle. This level was recorded in Naga City and Malinao in Albay, as well as Sorsogon City, Prieto Diaz, and Juban in Sorsogon.
The farthest-reaching observer reports placed Intensity II shaking — slightly perceptible by only a few persons — in Goa, Camarines Sur and Bulan, Sorsogon.
Instrumental Readings from Seismic Stations
Beyond what residents felt, PHIVOLCS-DOST seismic instruments captured readings that in some locations exceeded observer reports. The most significant instrumental reading was Intensity VI in Tabaco, Albay — a level associated with very strong shaking, causing many people to run outdoors, heavy furniture to move, and potentially producing slight to moderate damage to ordinary structures.
Intensity V was instrumentally recorded in Castilla, Sorsogon, while Intensity IV instrument readings came from Sorsogon City and Iriga City in Camarines Sur.
Seismic stations also logged Intensity III in Prieto Diaz, Sorsogon; Monreal, Masbate; and several Camarines Sur towns including Sagnay, Sipocot, Pili, and Mercedes.
The widest instrumental reach placed Intensity II readings in Pasacao and Ragay in Camarines Sur; Milagros, Masbate; and San Roque and Gandara in Northern Samar.
Damage Warning and Aftershock Advisory
In its official bulletin, PHIVOLCS-DOST explicitly stated that damage is expected from this seismic event. This assessment is consistent with the shallow focal depth and the Intensity VI instrumental recording in Tabaco, Albay — a threshold at which even structurally ordinary buildings can sustain slight to moderate harm.
PHIVOLCS further confirmed that aftershocks are expected to follow the main earthquake. The agency urged all residents in areas that experienced shaking to remain vigilant and ready for additional ground movement in the hours and days ahead.
Safety Guidance from PHIVOLCS
Following the quake, PHIVOLCS-DOST advised the public to remain calm once shaking has stopped and to carefully inspect their immediate environment for signs of structural compromise. Before re-entering any home or building, residents are urged to look for visible cracks in walls, ceilings, floors, and staircases. Preparedness for aftershocks remains the agency's key safety message.
PHIVOLCS noted that Earthquake Information No. 2 is intended as the final bulletin for this event unless further significant developments arise or new data becomes available. An epicentral map accompanying the bulletin has been made publicly accessible through the official PHIVOLCS website.
Stay Informed
For continuing updates on this seismic event and all future earthquake and volcanic activity across the Philippines, the public is advised by PHIVOLCS-DOST to monitor the agency's official online portal at phivolcs.dost.gov.ph. All data cited in this report comes directly from PHIVOLCS-DOST Earthquake Information No. 2, issued at 10:46 PM PHT on June 5, 2026.
Originally reported by: breakingnewsnegor.com