MANILA, Philippines – A strong earthquake jolted Luzon areas with epicenter in Abra on Wednesday morning, July 27, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
The earthquake was felt at around 8:43 a.m. with northeast of Tayum, Abra as the epicenter based on Phivolcs’ second bulletin. The quake had a magnitude of 7.0 and was tectonic in nature with a shallow depth of 25 km. Intensity 7 was felt in Bucloc and Manabo, Abra and tremors in parts of Luzon.
READ: Magnitude 7.0 earthquake hits Luzon areas, epicenter in Abra
Phivolcs added that damage and aftershocks may be expected.
Affected netizens and local government officials started sharing photos and videos of the damages by the earthquake.
In a statement, Abra Rep. Ching Bernos shared photos of the aftermath of the strong quake in their province.
A strong earthquake rocked Abra on Wednesday morning, July 27 | Photo Courtesy: Office of Abra Rep. Ching Bernos |
A strong earthquake rocked Abra on Wednesday morning, July 27 | Photo Courtesy: Office of Abra Rep. Ching Bernos |
A strong earthquake rocked Abra on Wednesday morning, July 27 | Photo Courtesy: Office of Abra Rep. Ching Bernos |
He stated, “This strong earthquake shocked many of my beloved Abreños and caused damages to many households and establishments. I urge everyone to stay alert and to prioritize safety in light of the possibilities of aftershocks that might be felt after that strong earthquake. We are monitoring the situation on the ground and gathering information on the extent of the damage to the Province.”
Netizen Regie Gabia also shared how the earthquake damaged parts of the Santa Catalina de Alejandria Parish Church in Tayum, Abra.
Tayum,Abra
Saint Catherine of Alexandria Church
Earthquake 🙏
6.9 magnitudePosted by Regie Taloma Gabia on Tuesday, July 26, 2022
Look what happened in Abra 🙁 our drillers are there. #EarthquakePH pic.twitter.com/2OML2XaXFv
— ELLE (SKZ-Felix) ☻ (@SKZFelix8) July 27, 2022
Portions of Bantay Bell Tower in Ilocos Sur crumbled and fell due to the earthquake.
Nasaksihan nmin ang lindol dyos ko..🥺🥺
#BantayTower no morePosted by Edison M. Adducul on Tuesday, July 26, 2022
A grocery store in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, was left in disarray after the earthquake.
We felt an earthquake at 8:43 a.m.
Magnitude 7.3, 45 kilometers from Vigan City, Ilocos Sur.#LindolPH pic.twitter.com/JCylGG0DDb— Empress K (@EmpressKxxx) July 27, 2022
The historic places and popular spots in Vigan, Ilocos Sur were not spared. Parts of old structures fell and crumbled.
Old structures in Vigan, Ilocos Sur fell | Photo Courtesy: Twitter/ PNA |
Old structures in Vigan, Ilocos Sur fell | Photo Courtesy: Twitter/ PNA |
First photos coming out of Vigan. Hope everyone's safe.
Posted by Gerry Cacanindin on Tuesday, July 26, 2022
In Baguio City, Mayor Benjie Magalong already announced the suspension of work and classes for both public and private establishments. Photos from Civil Defense Cordillera showed the evacuation of hospital staff and patients at the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center.
Patients and personnel evacuated Photo Courtesy: Civil Defense Cordillera |
Meanwhile, MRT3 and LRT1 were temporarily suspended in Metro Manila to check for possible damages. Operations resumed around past 10:00 in the morning.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Chairperson Jose Faustino Jr. and other disaster council members are already determining the extent of the earthquake’s damage.
Stay tuned to The Summit Express for more updates on this breaking news.
— Sally, The Summit Express