MRT3, LRT, PNR ops disrupted temporarily due to magnitude 7.3 quake

Operations of the Metro Rail Transit-Line 3, Light Rail Transit Lines 1 and 2, and the Philippine National Railways (PNR) were temporarily halted on Wednesday morning after a magnitude 7 earthquake rocked Abra and was felt in Metro Manila. 

"At 8:44 a.m. today, earthquake was felt along the MRT-3 mainline. All trains were advised to stop. Assessment of all facilities and systems are on-going," the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said in an advisory.

"To ensure passenger safety, LRT-2 temporarily suspends operations after an earthquake this morning. Our Engineering, Maintainance, and Safety & Security Team are currently conducting inspection to assess the integrity of LRT-2 structures," the Light Rail Transit Authority said in an advisory.

"As of 8:55 AM, July 27, 2022 - A stop for safety has been put in place from Baclaran to Balintawak due to earthquake. Please allow additional travel time of about 15 minutes," the Light Rail Manila Corporation said regarding operations of the LRT1.

"Update as of 9:07AM: LRT-1 is now operational in all 19 stations after receiving safety clearance to operate. Trains are running at 25kph. Salamat at ingat po sa biyahe!," it added in an update.

"Due to recent earthquake, please be informed that PNR trips for Metro North and Metro South Commuter Service will be temporarily suspended until the tracks are certified available by our Engineering Department," the PNR said in an advisory.

In an advisory issued later, Transportation Undersecretary Cesar Chavez said, “All four rail lines are now operational.”

MRT-3 said that as of 10:12 a.m. its operations resumed with 17 trains running.

The LRT2 resumed full operations at 1:38 p.m. after the system was declared safe and passable. 

PNR also said it has resumed train operations after inspection and certification issued by the Engineering Department that the tracks are passable and safe for passenger operation.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, the magnitude 7 quake occurred at 8:43 a.m.

Its epicenter was located at 17.64°N, 120.63°E - 003 km N 45° W of Tayum in Abra. It had a depth of 17 kilometers.

Intensity V was felt in the City of Manila, and intensity IV in Quezon City, Marikina and Pasig, PHIVOLCS said. —With a report from Ted Cordero/KG, GMA News