Quake shakes Metro Manila

MANILA, Philippines - A magnitude-5.4 earthquake rocked several parts of Luzon, including Metro Manila, yesterday but there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

Renato Solidum, director of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), also allayed fears of a tsunami, saying that the tremor was not that powerful.

The quake occurred at 10:27 a.m. with its epicenter traced 15 kilometers northeast of Baler. It was caused by a movement along the Casiguran (Aurora) fault. He said small aftershocks are expected, while minor damages are likely especially in areas near the epicenter.

The temblor was strongly felt at Intensity 5 in Baler, Aurora and Intensity 4 in Dingalan, Aurora; and Gabaldon, Palayan City, Cabiao, Bongabon and San Jose, all in Nueva Ecija; as well as in Santiago City and Palanan in Isabela.

The quake was also felt at Intensity 3 in Tarlac City and San Clemente, Tarlac; Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija; Dagupan City, Pangasinan; Cauayan City, Isabela; Infanta, Quezon; Mandaluyong City; Quezon City; Taguig City; Pasay City; Antipolo City; and Bacoor, Cavite.

In Aglipay and Maddela, Quirino; Baguio City; Manila City; Malolos City, Bulacan it was felt at Intensity 2, and Intensity 1 in Clark, Pampanga and Makati City.

According to Solidum, earthquakes that usually generate tsunamis are those with magnitude 6.5 and above.– With Janvic Mateo, Charlie Lagasca