Minor infra damage in Calatagan due to quake

MANILA, Philippines — The magnitude 6.3 earthquake that struck Batangas and was felt in Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon left minimal damage to infrastructure in Calatagan, Batangas, the town mayor said yesterday.

Mayor Peter Oliver Palacio said only small cracks were found in schools, hospitals and other buildings as well as roads and bridges, based on inspections conducted by municipal engineers.

Palacio said there was no reported death or injury as residents followed standard operating procedures in evacuating buildings during earthquakes.

He said he also suspended classes following the quake.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the epicenter of the quake was monitored 11 kilometers south of Calatagan.

The quake was felt at Intensity 5, which is classified as strong, in Calatagan as well as in Looc, Lubang and Paluan in Occidental Mindoro.

Meanwhile, in Batangas, 33 students of the Lipa City National High School in Barangay 1 reportedly collapsed or vomited due to the earthquake.

First-aid responders brought the students to the Hospital ng Lipa and Lipa City District Hospital for treatment.

35 aftershocks

Phivolcs said 35 aftershocks of the magnitude 6.3 quake have been recorded since Thursday.

The aftershocks had magnitudes ranging from 1.4 to 3.1, 17 of which were plotted or those that were detected by at least three seismic stations.

Phivolcs said none of the aftershocks was felt due to the lower magnitude.

Phivolcs director Teresito Bacolcol said the magnitude 6.3 quake was due to a movement in the Manila Trench. — Romina Cabrera