Breaking: 6.3 Quake Hits Philippines Near Manila, Building Collapse, Five Dead

BREAKING: Earthquake rattles most populated island of the Philippines, causes buildings to sway in Manila

A strong 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck the northern Philippine island of Luzon on Monday.

The earthquake was centered about 60 km (37 miles) northwest of the capital city of Manila, which is home to more than 12 million people.

The earthquake caused damage to a church in northern Pampanga province and also boulders rolled down a mountain, blocking a highway in the region, according to the Associated Press.

Metro Rail Transit suspended operations for the remainder of Monday following the quake to allow workers to check the integrity of the track throughout the network.

Power disruptions were reported in the provinces of Pangasinan, La Union, Pampanga and Bataan.

A Reuters reporter in the city of Manila reported that buildings were swaying in the business district of the city.

LOOK: Damage in Clark Airport after strong 6.1 magnitude quake. | 📸: @lancelauren_ pic.twitter.com/Nrf2Obbf28

— ABS-CBN News Channel (@ANCALERTS) April 22, 2019

Several flight into and out of the northern Philippines were delayed or canceled following the earthquake.

Some people have also evacuated from buildings as a precaution following the strong earthquake.

Dry and warm weather is expected across the region into the middle of the week, aiding in any recovery efforts.

Five dead as buildings collapse in Philippine quake: official

Five people have been killed when at least two buildings collapsed as a strong earthquake rocked the northern Philippines, a local official says.

Three bodies have been pulled out of a collapsed building in the town of Porac, while an old woman and her grandchild were crushed to death by another building in the town of Lubao, provincial governor Lilia Pineda tells ABS-CBN television.

“The quake has caused a blackout,” she says, hampering rescue efforts in the early evening as night closes in.