SAWT BEIRUT INTERNATIONAL

| 11 December 2024, Wednesday |

Magnitude 6.3 earthquake strikes northern Philippines

Authorities say a magnitude 6.3 earthquake slammed the Philippines’ biggest island on Thursday, suspending some train operations in the capital Manila.

The quake, which hit out at sea at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.21 miles) and was felt in surrounding provinces, caused no injuries or serious damage, according to the Philippine seismology bureau.

The earthquake halted operations on three elevated railway lines in Manila, according to the transport ministry.

“Railways and airports had suspension in operations. So far, no report of major effect of the quake and we hope it remains this way,” Civil defence spokesperson, Assistant Secretary Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro, told GMA news channel.

Ceiling lights were seen shaking at a hotel in one of Manila’s business districts where President Ferdinand Marcos Jr was speaking to reporters after attending an international trade forum, according to a Reuters witness.

Peter Oliver Palacio, mayor of Calatagan, a town just 5km from the epicenter, told DZMM radio the quake was dizzying and added the town’s engineering department had been instructed to check for damage.

The seismology agency initially recorded a magnitude 6.2 earthquake, but later revised it to 6.3. It said it expects damage and aftershocks.

    Source:
  • Reuters