A MAGNITUDE 5.1 earthquake struck General Nakar, Quezon province, on Tuesday afternoon at 12:17 p.m., sending tremors throughout Metro Manila and several nearby provinces.
The quake, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), had its epicenter located 24 kilometers northwest of General Nakar.
While the epicenter was in Quezon, the relatively shallow depth of the earthquake resulted in the shaking being felt significantly farther afield, causing widespread alarm.
The tremor’s impact extended beyond Quezon, with residents in Metro Manila and provinces such as Rizal, Laguna, and Cavite reporting noticeable shaking.
The intensity of the shaking varied depending on location and proximity to the epicenter, but many described feeling a strong jolt that lasted several seconds.
In Metro Manila, high-rise buildings swayed, and some people evacuated buildings as a precaution. While no major damage has been reported in Metro Manila or the surrounding provinces at this time, the widespread tremor served as a stark reminder of the region’s vulnerability to seismic activity.
Phivolcs continues to monitor the situation for any aftershocks and is assessing the full extent of the earthquake’s impact. The agency urges residents in affected areas to remain vigilant and to follow safety protocols in the event of further seismic activity.
The earthquake serves as a potent reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness and the need for robust infrastructure to withstand such events, particularly in densely populated areas like Metro Manila, where a significant earthquake could have devastating consequences
metrosundaily
