RESCUE operations at the collapsed Chuzon Supermarket in Porac, Pampanga were temporarily stopped after another tremor hit the province before dawn Wednesday, April 24.

According to the Philippine Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), an aftershock with magnitude of 4.5 occurred at 2:02 a.m. Wednesday.

This was plotted at about at 15 kilometers northeast of Castillejos, Zambales, in the same area where the first earthquake occurred on April 22, said Phivolcs Director Renato Solidum.

This aftershock, one of about 500 since Monday afternoon, was felt at Intensity 3 in Olongapo City, Zambales and at Intensity 2 in Quezon City, Muntinlupa and Taguig, all in Metro Manila.

The first earthquake, monitored at 5:11 p.m. of April 22, shook Central Luzon and Metro Manila. It was also felt in other parts of Luzon.

At least 16 people were killed, mostly in Pampanga where the four-story Chuzon Supermarket collapsed, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

Solidum said aftershocks as strong as magnitude 5 are still expected. (SunStar Philippines)