A 7.0 magnitude earthquake hit the Philippines causing more than 50 landslides and killing at least five people.
The earthquake struck northern Luzon, the Philippines’ most populous island, on Wednesday morning at a depth of six miles, killing at least five people and injuring 130 peopleaccording to the authorities.
The earthquake was concentrated in the province of Abra, an area known for its mountainous terrain and deep valleys. The Philippine National Center for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management said the impact caused around $687 million in infrastructure damage and affected more than 21,000 people.
“The ground shook like I was on a swing and the lights suddenly went out. We rushed out of the office, I heard screams and some of my companions were in tears,” said Michael Brillantes, a security guard at Abra. the Associated press. “It was the strongest earthquake I’ve felt and I thought the ground was going to split open.”
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There had been 58 landslides reported, damaging hundreds of homes and several schools and hospitals. Centuries-old historic sites including Vigan Cathedral and the Bantay Bell Tower (seen in the video below) also crumbled among terrified residents and visitors.
A villager would be dead after being hit by falling cement slabs in his home in Abra. Another man from Benguet province was crushed to death after a small building collapsed.
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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who visited Abra on Thursday, said power had been restored to most parts of the region, but residents’ access to water remained a problem.
“I urge everyone to remain vigilant and prioritize safety in light of the aftershock possibilities that may be felt following this strong earthquake,” Abra representative Ching Bernos wrote in a statement. communicated. statement. “We are monitoring the situation on the ground and gathering information on the extent of the damage in the province. My office is also actively coordinating with relevant authorities what can be done to help families and communities that have been severely affected by this earthquake.
The Philippines is considered one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, as it lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire where many earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur.
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Featured image via Edison M. Adducul/Philippines News Agency
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