4 dead, 60 injured in strong Abra quake
MANILA, Philippines (Updated 2:53 p.m.) — The magnitude-7.0 quake that hit Abra on Wednesday morning has left four dead and 60 others injured, Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos said in a press briefing at Malacañang.
Of the four deaths, two of them were recorded in Benguet, one in Abra and one in Mountain Province, Abalos said. Upon clarification by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Abalos said the four died in landslides.
Earlier, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported that it is verifying the reported death of a construction worker who got trapped under fallen debris in La Trinidad, Benguet, although the office of Rep. Eric Go Yap sent reporters photos of the incident, saying the death was confirmed.
Citing data from local officials, police and fire units, Abalos reported that the quake caused road closures in some parts of Abra, power interruptions in Abra and Benguet, intermittent communications in Region 1 and landslides in parts of the Cordillera Administrative Region.
CAR, where Abra is located, was hit badly as 29 municipal roads were damaged, as well as three bridges in Abra, and 137 public and private buildings.
In the Ilocos Region, damages have been reported in Ilocos Sur but the council assured the public that there was no tsunami threat.
Sen. Imee Marcos in a press briefing also said that bell towers in Bantay and Laoag were damaged, with the center of Laoag City possibly set to be cordoned off as debris is still falling from the bell tower.
No damage has been reported in Regions 2, 3, 4 and Metro Manila.
Undersecretary Jose Faustino, National Defense officer-in-charge, also "confirmed the readiness" of the council's P200 million quick response fund.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has since ordered the mobilization of rescue and relief teams from the Department of Social Welfare and Development to affected areas.
The chief executive also directed telecommunication companies to provide immediate assistance to communities and ensure free communication in areas where telco towers were damaged.
"He will immediately fly to the area as soon as the all clear is given," Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said in a statement. — with a report from Xave Gregorio
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