Philippines: A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake rocked the Philippines island of Luzon today, killing at least four people and damaging buildings in the northern province of Ipra, as well as causing strong tremors in the capital Manila.
Philippine Interior Minister Benjamin Abalos said in a press conference that two people were killed in Benguet province, the third in Abra province, and the fourth in another province, adding that 60 others were injured as a result of the earthquake, adding that 44 of them were in Abra province.
He added that 173 buildings were damaged, and 58 landslides were reported.
According to US Geological Survey data, the quake occurred about 11 km southeast of the town of Dolores, at a depth of 10 km.
“Despite the sad reports of the damage caused by the earthquake, we are ensuring a swift response to those in need and those affected by this disaster,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Facebook.
The director of the state seismological agency, Renato Solidum, told radio station dZRH that strong aftershocks were expected.
“The focus is on Abra and the neighbouring provinces. This is a big earthquake,” he said, adding that landslides were reported in some parts of Abra, particularly in the town of Manabu.
Officials said a hospital in Abra province was evacuated after the building partially collapsed, but no injuries were reported there. Jocelyn Bernos, Deputy Governor of Abra, posted pictures of the Abra Hospital, which showed a hole in its facade. The quake was felt in the capital, Manila, as many buildings were evacuated and the city’s subway services were suspended.
