CAAP: 7 Samar, Leyte airports operational after magnitude 6 earthquake

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) on Monday reported that seven airports in the islands of Samar and Leyte did not sustain damage and remain operational following the magnitude 6 earthquake that hit the town of San Julian in Eastern Samar.

These are Calbayog Airport, Borongan Airport, Catbalogan Airport, Hilongos Airport, Catarman Airport, Guiuan Airport, and Ormoc Airport, CAAP said in a statement.

It added that Borongan Airport is experiencing a power outage and awaiting the restoration of electricity.

Following the earthquake, CAAP said it deployed its Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting units and airport security personnel to inspect and ensure the safety and integrity of airport infrastructure.

“CAAP assures the public that all necessary measures have been undertaken to ensure the safety of our airports and personnel,” CAAP Director Raul Del Rosario said.

“We are also coordinating closely with our airport managers for continuous monitoring, assessment, and the immediate resolution of operational concerns,” he added.

CAAP also said it continues to monitor the situation and coordinate with relevant authorities.

Occurred at 2:09 p.m., the earthquake was located 20 kilometers north 65 degrees east of San Julian, Eastern Samar (11.82°N, 125.62°E).

The tremor was tectonic in origin and had a depth of 56 kilometers.

Damage and aftershocks are expected, according to PHIVOLCS. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA News