The Philippine Online Chronicles

At least three earthquakes have hit the Philippines today, with the most recent occurring at approximately 10:10 a.m.

It was the strongest tectonic shaker to hit the country today, with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) measuring its magnitude at 4.7. The US Geological Survey, however, said its magnitude was at 5.3.

The earthquake's epicenter, according to Phivolcs, was 25 kilometers northwest of Nasugbu, Batangas.

Today's first earthquake, with a magnitude of 2.9, was at 2:09 a.m. Philippine Standard Time. Its epicenter was 38 kilometers northwest of Vigan, Ilocos Sur.

The second earthquake, also magnitude 2.9, was at 6:06 a.m. It was located at 89 km southwest of Mati, Davao Oriental.

No casualties have been reported so far.

Earthquakes have been shaking the country since last week, when four tremors were recorded on Thursday and Friday.

At least 16 volcanic earthquakes were also recorded in the past 24 hours by Phivolcs as Mt. Bulusan in Sorsogon erupted yesterday. One of the most recent earthquakes, said Phivolcs, was an "explosion type" 19-minute tremor.

According to GMA.tv, government scientists are also monitoring Taal volcano, as at least one volcanic quake was also recorded there in the past day. Alert Level 1 remains, "meaning a hazardous eruption is not imminent."

A stronger quake also shook New Zealand today, at magnitude 6.3. It hit Christchurch at 12:50 p.m. New Zealand time (10:50 a.m. Philippine time). Its epicenter was at Lyttelton, according to reports.

There were multiple casualties, said the Herald Sun, as buildings collapsed into streets in Christchurch. However, authorities were still verifying the number of injured or dead as of press time.

No Filipinos have been reported injured yet, the Philippine Daily Inqurer quoted the Department of Foreign Affairs.

New fault

Last year in September, an earthquake also hit New Zealand, which scientists said may have created a new 11-foot-wide fault line.

The said 7.1-magnitude quake was caused by the ongoing collision between the Pacific and Australian tectonic plates, said MSNBC.

Only two serious injuries were reported.

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