The 2017 Batangas earthquakes was an earthquake swarm which occurred from early April to mid August 2017, affecting the Philippine province of Batangas and other nearby areas. The first major earthquake occurred on April 4 at 8:58 PM, with a surface wave magnitude of 5.5 on the coast of Batangas. According to the PHIVOLCS Earthquake Intensity Scale, the earthquake had an intensity of VI. On April 8, more strong earthquakes occurred in the province. PHIVOLCS recorded the strongest earthquake as having a surface wave magnitude of 6.0, which occurred in the afternoon. Another earthquake struck on August 11, with a surface wave magnitude of 6.3, that struck just after lunchtime. Three years later, Taal Volcano which about 25 kilometres in the epicenter was erupted after 43 years of inactivity.
Earthquakes
April 4 earthquake
The quake was recorded by PHIVOLCS on April 4, 2017 at 8:58 PM. Based on that record, the epicenter of the 5.5 earthquake was located 7 kilometers northwest of Tingloy, Batangas. The earthquake was of tectonic origin. Metro Manila and nearby provinces felt shaking at Intensity 3 while Obando, Bulacan felt Intensity 4, and Batangas City experienced Intensity 6 shaking. The earthquake is suspected to be the caused by the movement of the Lubang Fault. At 1:00 pm on April 7, PHIVOLCS stated that they have recorded 934 aftershocks; 118 of which were plotted and while 14 were reportedly felt. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center announced no tsunami warning following the earthquake.
April 8 earthquakes
Two earthquakes occurred near the towns of Mabini and Tanauan on April 8. PHIVOLCS recorded the first earthquake which occurred near Mabini at 3:07 pm as having a surface wave magnitude of 5.6 while the second earthquake which happened in Talaga Proper, Mabini, Batangas, at 3:09 pm was recorded as having a surface wave magnitude of 6.0. The United States Geological Survey recorded the first as a magnitude 5.7 earthquake while the second as a moment magnitude of 5.9 earthquake.
August 11 earthquake
PHIVOLCS recorded the earthquake which occurred at 1:28 pm as having a surface wave magnitude of 6.3. The United States Geological Survey recorded the earthquake as a moment magnitude of 6.2 earthquake.
Shocks
Earthquakes with at least magnitude 5 as recorded by PHIVOLCS:
Impact
Damages on some buildings, resorts and houses have been reported. The Basilica of Saint Martin of Tours or Taal Basilica, which is considered to be the largest Roman Catholic Church in Asia and located in Taal, Batangas, sustained damage during the April 4 earthquake. The April 8 earthquakes caused concrete blocks to fall from the church facade. The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Church in Batangas City also sustained damage on its walls during the April 8 quake. The Batangas Provincial capitol also sustained damaged from the April 4 earthquake. The initial estimated cost of damage to the building was. On April 5, the Batangas provincial government declared a state of calamity. Six people were injured by the 8 April quake. Around 14,000 people were temporarily relocated in evacuation centers. During his installation on April 21, 2017, Lipa Archbishop Gilbert Garcera ordered Father Aurelio Oscar Dimaapi to temporarily close the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in order to prevent injuries. In the aftermath of the August 11 tremor, many students were disturbed since the tremor struck during class hours. Several schools suspended classes after the earthquake. So far, no damage has been reported.
Power
The earthquake also damaged several power plants supplying the Luzon Grid, like one generator unit of the Ilijan Power Plant, one unit of Avion Power Plant, all units of Santa Rita Combined Cycle Power Plant, and one unit of San Lorenzo Combined Cycle Power Plant, resulting to a loss of 2,584 MW. The switchyard of San Lorenzo Power Plant was damaged and a transmission tower was toppled also by the earthquakes. As a result, the power supply reserve for Luzon decreased, leading the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines to place the Luzon Grid on "yellow" alert on April 10 and 11, and the Department of Energy ordered immediate repair of power plants damaged. A policy to protect the grid from earthquake damage is being drafted by the Department of Energy after the quakes.
