Train lines halt operations after magnitude 6.1 quake

This file photo shows MRT-3 trains.
The STAR/Michael Varcas, File

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED 6:54 p.m.) — Major train lines in Metro Manila suspended train operations after a magnitude 6.1 earthquake was felt in parts of Luzon Monday afternoon.

In a statement, Goddess Libiran, Department of Transportation assistant secretary for communications, said train lines were advised by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council not to resume operations until further notice.

“Preliminary guidance from NDRRMC is NOT to resume operations until after a five-hour observation period, based on risk of aftershocks, based on a similar earthquake event in Indonesia,” she said.

The management of the Metro Rail Transit-3 also said it has suspended train operations as of 5:12 p.m. to assess the status of its structures.

“Our teams are on site to assess all facilities and systems for the effects of the earthquake,” MRT-3 management said in a tweet.

The Light Rain Transit 1 management likewise said it is temporarily halting its operations for the whole Roosevelt-Baclaran line.

“We are requesting passengers to remain calm and be mindful of their and their fellow passengers’ safety while disembarking at the stations,” it said.

The Light Rail Transit Authority, which manages the LRT-2, suspended train operations at around 5:18 p.m.

“LRT-2 will no longer resume operations tonight. For the safety of everyone, a more thorough inspection shall be conducted to ensure the integrity of the LRT-2 structures and systems,” Hernando Cabrera, LRTA spokesperson, said in a tweet.

The operations of LRT-2 will resume at 4:30 a.m. Tuesday. 

The Philippine National Railways also cancelled train trips after the earthquake.

“Explorer train has been deployed from Governor Pascual, Tutuban to Calamba to determine damage on tracks and bridges if any,” PNR said in a Facebook post

Gaea Katreena Cabico

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