(Updated; Jube 15, 11:34 a.m.) Reports of an earthquake filled local Twitter as Filipinos took to the platform to inform fellow citizens that they felt tremors from the ground on Thursday morning.
RELATED: Magnitude 6.3 earthquake strikes Batangas
Among those who first tweeted was Miss Universe Philippines 2014 top 10 semifinalist MJ Lastimosa.
“Anlakas nun! #EarthquakePH,” she wrote at 10:20 a.m. on June 15.
Others commented that the quake lasted long.
“Moderately strong quake felt here in Las Pinas, and notable ‘yung pagiging matagal niya,” Ralph Abienza, lead of the ScienceKonek organization, tweeted.
Some shared that they received a smartphone notification through the Android Earthquake Alerts System.
The alert also indicated the estimated magnitude of the quake.
i received this alert on my other phone even before i felt the earthquake.
it’s a strong one. hoping for everyone’s safety. #EarthquakePH pic.twitter.com/iLdknsSdfT
— Rhovin Luke Maglaqui (@RhovinMags) June 15, 2023
Got an alert then felt the quake pic.twitter.com/VPwrwjLzHR
— Arbet Bernardo (@ArbetBernardo) June 15, 2023
Others said that they received the notification while the earthquake was happening.
Android sent this right away as earthquake is happening pic.twitter.com/K3W9XzRwIG
— ChatJPT 🔗 (@dumidyeypee) June 15, 2023
The Android Earthquake Alerts System was launched in the Philippines in 2021 as part of Google’s initiative to create the world’s largest earthquake detection network.
Android Police said that the earthquake alerts system works by harnessing the vast network of Android phones to gather information.
RELATED: PSA: Android smartphone users can now get earthquakes alerts in advance
Meanwhile, Pinoys are known to flock to Twitter to verify or share reports about earthquakes. Usual hashtags used are “#EarthquakePH” or “#LindolPH.”
ALSO READ: ‘Lumindol?’ Pinoys flock to Twitter to verify earthquake felt in Metro Manila, other areas
The platform prides itself in being the go-to platform for real-time conversations and happenings with its short-message format where people can quickly post thoughts and updates in a fuss-free layout.
According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), the quake had a 6.3 magnitude with an epicenter located 15 kilometers southwest of Calatagan, Batangas.
The tremor was recorded at 10:19 a.m. on June 15.
It was tectonic in origin.
#EarthquakePH #EarthquakeBatangas#iFelt_BatangasEarthquake
Earthquake Information No.2
Date and Time: 15 June 2023 – 10:19 AM
Magnitude = 6.3
Depth = 119 km
Location = 13.77°N, 120.51°E – 015 km S 64° W of Calatagan (Batangas)https://t.co/CWFFnNBEfV pic.twitter.com/R9kT9JZvCE— PHIVOLCS-DOST (@phivolcs_dost) June 15, 2023
Phivolcs said it is expecting aftershocks and damages.
It recorded an Intensity IV at Quezon City, one of the cities in the National Capital Region. Intensity IV is considered moderately strong and often “felt generally by people indoors and by some people outdoors.”
The tremor was also felt in other parts of the country.
