Magnitude 4.9 earthquake jolts Eastern Samar, parts of Leyte

A magnitude 4.9 earthquake hit off the coast of Balangiga in Eastern Samar early Friday morning, sending tremors through parts of the Eastern Visayas region but fortunately without any reported damage. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology confirmed it was a tectonic event occurring at 12:46 a.m. This event underscores the region's vulnerability to seismic activity, as Eastern Samar is located near several fault lines. While the quake was relatively minor, it serves as a reminder of the need for preparedness in earthquake-prone areas.