Powerful 7.3 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Northern Philippines, Strongly Felt In Manila

A powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck the Philippine island of Luzon on Wednesday, July 27, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology Survey said, badly damaging a hospital and buildings in Abra province and sending strong tremors through the capital, Manila.

A hospital in Abra province was evacuated after the building partially collapsed following the earthquake, but there were no casualties reported, officials said.

In a Facebook post, Abra Rep. Ching Bernos said the province was the epicenter of the 7.3-magnitude earthquake that occurred earlier at 8:43 a.m. 

Bernos said the strong earthquake “shocked” Abreños and caused damages to many households and establishments. “This earthquake was also felt in various parts of Luzon and activated preemptive measures in many places,” Bernos noted.

She urged people 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. My office is also actively coordinating with proper authorities  on what can be done to assist families and communities that were severely affected by this earthquake,” she said.

Mayor Rovelyn Villamor of Lagangilang, Abra said they are still experiencing aftershocks. 

“We have received reports of damages to houses. But so far no casualties. We don’t have power supply because that’s automatically cut off due to danger,” Villamor told dzRH radio.

The public information office of Abra province posted photographs on its Facebook page showing buildings badly damaged, with walls with huge cracks crumbling.

“The focus of attention is on Abra and nearby provinces. This is a major earthquake. We expect strong aftershocks,” Renato Solidum, Phivolcs director, told dzMM radio.

Ilocos Sur Rep. Eric Singson also told dzMM the earthquake had been felt strongly.

“The earthquake lasted 30 seconds or more. I thought my house would fall,” Singson said. “Now, we are trying to reach people…Right now there are aftershocks so we are outside our home.”