5.5 quake shakes 19 areas in Metro Manila, other parts of Luzon

Image by Phivolcs

Update

A 5.5 magnitude earthquake shook at least 19 cities and towns in Metro Manila, Southern Tagalog and Central Luzon, seismologists said Tuesday night.

The offshore quake, with a shallow depth of five kilometers, sent panicked residents fleeing their homes.

Photographs showed the centuries-old Minor Basilica of Saint Martin of Tours in Taal, Batangas sustaining minor damage.

There were no immediate reports of injuries or deaths from the quake that centered six kilometers northwest of Tingloy, Batangas.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said the tremor struck at 8:58 p.m.

The tremor was felt at Intensity V in Malvar and Calatagan in Batangas province.

Intensity IV was reported in Makati City, Sta. Ana in Manila, Valenzuela City, Calamba in Laguna, Obando in Bulacan, Tagaytay City and in the towns of Imus and Indang in Cavite.

Intensity III was felt in Mandaluyong City, Pasay City, Quezon City, in Lucena City, in Mauban town of Quezon and in the Cavite towns of General Trias and Dasmariñas.

Intensity II was felt in Talisay, Batangas and in Abra de Ilog in Occidental Mindoro.

As of 11:54 p.m., 13 aftershocks had been recorded.

Phivolcs initially placed the earthquake’s magnitude at 5.4.

The Philippines sits on the Pacific “Ring of Fire” where continental plates collide causing frequent seismic and volcanic activity.