A magnitude-7 earthquake hit northern Philippines yesterday, causing at least five deaths and dozens of injuries.
A devastating magnitude-7 earthquake struck northern Philippines yesterday, causing several landslides. Thus far, 64 people have been reported as injured, five confirmed dead, and 173 buildings damaged. The disaster occurred in Abra province, near a mountainous area.
As reported by ABC News, several properties and hospitals were evacuated during the earthquake. Falling pieces of cement killed one individual, and caused injury to around 25 others. Vibrations from the earthquake could also be felt as far as Manila, the Philipines’ capital, which is over 430km away from where the disaster struck.
The US Geological Survey reported that the earthquake’s strength was a magnitude of 7.0, and at a depth of 10 kilometres. According to Eric Singson, Congressman of nearby province, Ilocos Sur, the duration of the earquake was about 30 seconds: “I thought my house would fall,” he said. “Now we are trying to reach people. Right now there are aftershocks so we are outside our home.”
According to Rovelyn Villamor, the mayor of Lagangilang in Abra province, the power supply in the area is presently cut off “due to danger.” The major says, “we are still experiencing aftershocks.”
WATCH: Portions of Bantay Bell Tower in Ilocos Sur crumble after a magnitude 7.3 earthquake hit Abra Province this morning https://t.co/Yea6QsB9V6
📹 Edison M. Adducul pic.twitter.com/UnxZqfpPsV
— CNN Philippines (@cnnphilippines) July 27, 2022
The Philippines is situated along the Pacific Ring of Fire. This makes the country more likely to experience earthquakes. Back in 1990, a magnitude-7.7 quake killed roughly 2,000 people in the northern Philippines.
Relief and rescue teams have now been sent out to the affected areas, under the orders of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The president issued the following statement via Facebook: “Despite the sad reports about the damages caused by the earthquake, we are assuring quick response to those in need and affected by this calamity.”
