Earthquake of 5.8 magnitude hits Philippines after Typhoon Koppu makes landfall

The Philippines on Monday experienced an earthquake even as Typhoon Koppu, locally known ad Typhoon Lando, began weakening after wreaking chaos and destruction.

"An earthquake with magnitude 5.8 occurred near Batangas, Luzon, Philippines at 13:50:41.40 UTC on 19 October 2015," according to the US Geological Survey. 

The US Geological Service said the epicentre was in Balitoc, Calatagan in Batangas. 

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) later issued a warning stating that since the quake was tectonic in origin, there would be no damage, but aftershocks are expected.

According to local reports, the earthquake tremors were felt in Batangas City, Tagaytay City, Puerto Gallera, Oriental Mindoro, Mandaluyong City, Makati City and Pasay City.

The quake also was felt in Clark, Pampanga; General Trias, Cavite, Malolos, Bulacan; Bacoor, Cavite; Obando, Bulacan, and in Pateros, Metro Manila.

Many social media users from Philippines raised fears over the "10-second" earthquake. There are still no details yet on any destruction caused by the earthquake.

The country is currently witnessing heavy rainfall and storms, brought in by Typhoon Koppu. Even though Koppu now has been downgraded to a severe tropical storm, provinces in the Philippines are bracing for heavy rains that are expected to last until Wednesday.

According to NBC, Typhoon Koppu has claimed at least nine lives and affected over 25,000 people in the Philippines. More than 20 provinces in the country are still on high alert.

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