Three strong earthquakes hit Philippines

Three earthquakes in 20 minutes caused landslides and building damage although no injuries were reported. Social media users shared images of the effects of the tremors.

Three strong earthquakes struck the Philippines main island of Luzon on Saturday, the US Geological Survey (USGS) reported.

The quakes ranged in magnitude from 5.0 to 5.9 and struck Batangas province, about 90 kilometers (55 miles) south of the capital Manila.

The quakes happened over a 20 minute period, the USGS said.

The tremors damaged houses and buildings, and forced residents near the coast to evacuate their homes, a presidential spokesman said Saturday.

Ernesto Abella urged the public to "stay calm and yet remain vigilant and alert" as disaster relief officials assessed the damage.

The first earthquake, a magnitude 5.5, hit at 3 p.m. with an epicenter 40 kilometers north-west of Mabini, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology said.

The second tremor, a magnitude 5.9, had its epicenter 42.7 kilometers southwest of the town of Tanauan, according to the USGS.

A third, magnitude 5.0, had its epicenter 35 kilometers northwest of the coastal town of Taysan, the USGS said.