A powerful earthquake in the northern Philippines killed at least four people and injured 60 on Wednesday (27).
Two people died in Benguet province, one in Abra province and one more in another province, Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos told a news conference.
“Despite the sad reports of the damage caused by the earthquake, we are ensuring a quick response to those in need and affected by this calamity,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said on Facebook.
The earthquake hit the region that is the political stronghold of the Marcos family.
Renato Solidum, director of the state seismology agency, told DZRH radio that strong aftershocks are expected.
“The focus of attention is on Abra and nearby provinces. This is a major earthquake,” Solidum said, adding that landslides were reported in some parts of Abra, particularly in the city of Manabo.
The Philippines is prone to natural disasters and is located on the seismically active Pacific “Ring of Fire”, a band of volcanoes and fault lines that skirt the Pacific Ocean. Earthquakes are frequent and there are an average of 20 typhoons a year, some causing deadly landslides.
The quake was also felt in Manila, the country’s capital, where several buildings were evacuated and the city’s rail systems were interrupted at the height of movement.
