The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported a 6.5 magnitude earthquake with Eastern Samar as the epicenter at 1:37 PM today. 

The Department of Energy is currently assessing the impact of the  earthquake in the Visayas and has initially received the following reports. 

A. GENERATION SECTOR

As of 3:30 PM today, there were no damages were reported by the power plants located in the Visayas. 

B. TRANSMISSION SECTOR 

As of 3:00 PM today, the NGCP reported that it is assessing the status of transmission facilities in Visayas. 

The earthquake caused power interruptions in Northern Samar (NORSAMELCO), Eastern Samar (ESAMELCO), and Calbayog City (SAMELCO I). 

C. DISTRIBUTION SECTOR

The DOE and the National Electrification Administration (NEA) are coordinating with the affected electric cooperatives in the area. 

1. For Leyte Electric Cooperative II (LEYECO II)

Only a portion of LEYECO II is experiencing power interruption due to the tripping of one of its feeders. The ground personnel are on their way to restore it.

2. For Eastern Samar Electric Cooperative (ESAMELCO)

The entire ESAMELCO coverage area had no power due to the earthquake. 

As of 3:22 PM, the NGCP and ESAMELCO have already energized the Nato Substation and restored power to the municipalities of Can-avid, Maslog, Dolores, Oras, San Policarpo, Arteche and Jipadpad. are currently conducting an inspection to locate the linefault. The other substations however remain unenergized. 

D. DOWNSTREAM OIL SECTOR

There were no damages reported for the gasoline stations and other downstream oil facilities. The DOE Oil Industry Management Bureau sees the supply to be sufficient for the Visayas. 

The DOE will make further updates as soon as more information becomes available.

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