Philippines: Magnitude-6.3 earthquake strikes in Batangas, at 0743 Dec. 25

Event

A magnitude-6.3 earthquake occurred in southern Batangas Province at 0743 Dec. 25. The epicenter was about 5 km (3 miles) southeast of Calatagan. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 108 km (67 miles), and moderate shaking may have occurred in parts of across central and southern Luzon, including Metro Manila and Mindoro Island. There have been no initial reports of damage or casualties because of the earthquake; however, it could take several hours until authorities can conduct comprehensive damage assessments, especially in remote areas. Aftershocks are possible over the coming days.

Officials may temporarily shut down transportation infrastructure in the tremor zone to check for damage. Minor disruptions could occur during shutdowns, but service will likely resume quickly if no damage is found. Utility outages are possible, particularly near the earthquake's epicenter.

Advice

Plan accordingly for aftershocks. Consider vacating multistory buildings if operating in affected areas until authorities confirm their structural integrity. Allow additional time for air and road travel, as aftershocks may prompt brief disruptions. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving in hilly areas in the affected region due to potential landslides.