In the aftermath of a powerful earthquake that shook Batangas, a state of calamity was declared by the provincial government Wednesday, April 5.
The magnitude 5.4 quake (according to Philvocs) late Tuesday, April 4, damaged several buildings, including the centuries-old Taal Basilica.
Thousands of residents have fled their homes in the fear of more aftershocks. Most of them stay on the grounds of the Batangas Community Park.
A state of calamity means local officials can tap emergency funds and impose a price freeze on basic commodities.
The provincial capitol sustained several cracks after the quake, with the cost of damage estimated at P16 million, said provincial engineer Gilbert Gatdula.
The quake’s epicenter was located 7 kilometers northwest of Tingloy town, Batangas. It struck at 8:58 p.m.
The tremor was felt as Intensity 4 in Makati City and Obando, Bulacan, and Intensity 3 in Mandaluyong City, Quezon City, General Trias and Dasmariñas in Cavite, Santa Ana in Manila and in Lucena City in Quezon.
It was felt as Intensity 2 in Talisay, Batangas and Pasig City.
Phivolcs, which warned of aftershocks, recorded 6 earthquakes in the area as of 11:00 p.m.
