MANILA, PHILIPPINES — A powerful 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck the Philippine island of Luzon, Lagangilang, Abra on Wednesday 8:43 a.m.
The U.S. Geological Survey reported the quake, which occurred at a shallow depth of 10 km, with strong tremors felt in many areas including in the capital Manila.
According to USGS, the earthquake’s epicenter was about 13 km southeast of the town of Dolores in Abra Province.
Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Philvolcs) recorded tremors of Intensity 4 in Quezon City. At the same time, residents in Metro Manila and other provinces also reported strong shaking in their area that lasted for several seconds.
Phivolcs has warned the public that damage and aftershocks can be expected in the wake of the major earthquake.
“That’s a major earthquake. Anything larger than Magnitude 7 can be devastating,” Phivolcs chief Renato Solidum said.
See official post by Phivolcs below:
There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries, but residents in Abra have been reporting damage due to the impact; the senate building in the capital was also evacuated.
The transport agency said that the quake was also felt strongly in Manila, and the city’s metro rail systems had been halted at rush hour after the quake.
Renato Solidum also stated that the quake could have caused damage in Abra, Dolores, but did not see damage in Manila.
“In the capital region it was not destructive. I think it does not have an effect on structures but it is good to inspect vital facilities like the MRT,” he added.
Congressman of northern Ilocos Sur province Eric Singson said that the quake had been felt strongly.
“The earthquake lasted 30 seconds or more. 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,” he added. – WhatALife!/Zed
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