DPWH deploys teams to assess damage brought about by 6.5-magnitude quake in Eastern Samar

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is now assessing the damage brought about by the 6.5-magnitude earthquake that struck Eastern Samar on Tuesday afternoon.

"[The] DPWH has now deployed teams to assess structural integrity, damages of key infrastructure in Region 5, Region 7 and Region 8 due to the earthquake," Public Works Secretary Mark Villar said in a statement.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the quake hit Samar 1:37 p.m. on Tuesday, with its epicenter recorded nine kilometers northwest of the San Julian town.

Prior to this, Luzon was jolted by a 6.1-magnitude quake that struck Zambales past 5 p.m. Monday, leaving at 16 dead and 14 missing.

In the same statement, the DPWH said the public may forward concerns and requests for inspection and rescue operations via its 24/7 hotline 165-02. — Jon Viktor D. Cabuenas/RSJ, GMA News