Manila, 28 July 2022 (TDI): A powerful earthquake of magnitude 7.0 struck the northern Philippines on Wednesday night. The earthquake hit northern Luzon, which is the country’s most populous island.
According to authorities, its epicenter was 10 kilometers beneath the surface, around 13 kilometers southeast of the small town of Dolores in the province of Abra. The capital, Manila, which is located more than 400 kilometers away, was also affected.
Many regions of the main Luzon Island felt the tremor. The tall structures swayed and rail service was disrupted. Multiple other provinces, including as Ilocos Sur, Pangasinan, Nueva Vizcaya, Bulacan, Laguna, and Cavite also felt it.
President of the Philipines, Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos immediately traveled to Abra to assess the situation.
Damages
According to the Philippine National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Center, the earthquake affected more than 21,000 people. It also damaged infrastructure worth $687 million.
Closely following the response to the powerful earthquake that hit earlier today Luzon, in the Philippines.
Red Cross teams were on the ground immediately. Colleagues are identifying the needs. IFRC is coordinating with @PhilRedCross to support as needed. pic.twitter.com/j4KP6yyFOs
— Jagan Chapagain (@jagan_chapagain) July 27, 2022
At least 4 people were killed by the earthquake. Also, more than 130 people were severely injured.
According to the Office of Civil Defense and the state-run Philippine News Agency (PNA), more than 400 homes are destroyed. Also, dozens of schools, hospitals, and bridges Tower were damaged in northern Luzon.
Damage was also done to Vigan City. A UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its centuries-old churches and family homes was also damaged.
The disaster caused huge boulders and debris to pour onto the roads as a result of the earthquake also induced landslides. Volunteers are working to clear the wreckage.
Also read: Earthquake wreaks havoc in Indonesia
At a news conference, Interior Secretary, Benjamin Abalos Jr. stated that the earthquake had caused huge damage. More than 200 communities in 15 provinces are affected. There are also 58 landslide incidents reported.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) advised the public to prepare for any aftershocks.
The institute has recorded about 120 aftershocks in the northern region. Furthermore, because the earthquake was inland, no tsunami warning had been issued.
