MANILA (3rd UPDATE) - A magnitude 5.4 earthquake struck in San Luis town, Aurora Saturday morning, Phivolcs said.

The temblor hit at 10:10 a.m and was initially reported as a 5.1-magnitude quake. Phivolcs later upgraded the strength in an update.


Phivolcs Director Renato Solidum said the quake, which struck 16 kilometers southwest of San Luis town at a depth of 7 kilometers, was tectonic, caused by the "movement of a fault" in Aurora.

The tremor was felt in several parts of Luzon, strongest in Baler, Aurora at Intensity 6. The shaking also reached Metro Manila.

"Bahagyang malakas po ito," said Solidum at the Laging Handa briefing on state television.

(This is moderately strong.)

"Posible pong magka-aftershocks, posible pong magka-minor damage."

(Aftershocks and minor damage are possible.)

Courtesy of the Aurora Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office

Courtesy of the Aurora Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office

Courtesy of the Aurora Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office

In Aurora, the building of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office reportedly suffered minor damage.

"Yung design kasi ng building ang nag-cause ng debris, falling debris siya, parang dinikit na semento, 'yun 'yung bumagsak, dalawang portion siya, walong design kasi 'yun, walong municipality, 'yung magkatabi ang bumagsak, minor lang naman siya, ang maganda walang nabagsakan," sabi ni PDRRM Officer Elson Egargue.

(The debris came from two portions of the building that were cemented together. That's the one that fell. It was just minor, and the good thing is that no one was hurt.)

A mall in Baler was also temporarily closed while authorities inspect it for possible damage.

Egargue said they are still confirming reports that a man was injured after he fell off his motorcycle during the quake.

He added that officers of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the provincial engineering department are now inspecting other structures such as roads and bridges in the province.

Meanwhile, Solidum reminded the public that in case of disasters that require evacuation, such as quakes, they should still keep physical distancing in mind given the continuing threat of the coronavirus disease.

"Isipin natin palagi physical distancing 'pag tayo ay nage-evacuate at pumunta sa lugar na may evacuation area," he said.

(Let us always think of physical distancing when we evacuate or go to an evacuation area.)

The quake was felt in the following intensities at these places:

• Intensity 6- Baler, Aurora
• Intensity 5 - San Luis, Dipaculao and Maria Aurora, Aurora
• Intensity 4 - Casiguran and Dingalan, Aurora; Gabaldon and Palayan City, Nueva Ecija
• Intensity 3 - Obando, Bulacan; Villasis, Pangasinan; Antipolo, Rizal; Parañaque City
• Intensity 2 - Santo Domingo, Nueva Ecija; Malolos City and Plaridel, Bulacan; Baguio; Manila, Malabon, Navotas, Quezon City and Valenzuela in Metro Manila
• Intensity 1 - Gapan City, Nueva Ecija; Guinayangan, Quezon