At about 1:28 PM today, a magnitude 6.3 earthquake hit 16 kilometers off the town of Nasugbu in Batangas. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reports that the quake was tectonic in origin with a depth of 160 kilometers.
According to the Phivolcs-DOST update, other reported intensities have been felt throughout the region. Intensity IV was experienced in Calapan, Mindoro; Subic, Zambales; Rosario, Cavite; Manila City; and Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro. Intensity III was reported in Pateros City; Quezon City; Makati City; Malolos, Bulacan; Cainta Rizal; and Calamba Laguna. Intensity II was felt in Magalang, Pampanga and Tanauan City, Batangas, while Talisay, Batangas reported an Intensity I quake.
PhiVolcs: “Batangas Earthquake is not that strong”
Although the jolt was enough to bring people up to their feet to evacuate the building, Phivolcs Director Renato Solidum said that the earthquake is “not that strong” and that it won’t trigger the movement of other faults. Phivolcs Senior Science Research Specialist Rhommel Prutas also explained to CNN Philippines that since the earthquake was “very deep,” it is not likely to cause damage.
Class and work suspensions announced. CNN Philippines reports that a number of schools suspended classes due to the 6.3 magnitude earthquake. By 3:02 PM, class suspensions were called in Olongapo City; Taguig City; De La Salle University-Dasmarinas; De La Salle University – Taft, Makati; BGC, Laguna; Lyceum of the Philippines University of Batangas; University of Batangas; Far Eastern University senior high school (Makati and Manila branches); Philippine Women’s University Manila; Manila Tytana Colleges, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila; and University of the East Manila and Caloocan (except College of Law).
Work is suspended for De La Salle University – Dasmarinas; Lyceum of the Philippines University Batangas; and De La Salle Universit – Taft, Makati, BGC, Laguna.
#EarthquakePH quickly soared to the top trending topic on Twitter. Here are some of the reactions from netizens and local agencies: