The damaged church Nuestra Señora De La Paz Church in La Paz, Abra. Image Credit: Christian Edward Padua/ Facebook.

Yesterday’s 6.4-magnitude earthquake in the North Philippines injured at least 26 people in Ilocos Norte and forced the closure of the international airport in the capital city of Laoag. The hospital Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital in Batac city located 60 km from the epicenter, was severely damaged and all patients had to be evacuated. Parts of the hospital ceiling in the intensive care collapsed. The earthquake was so strong that it was felt as far away as the Capital Manila, which is more than 330km from the epicenter of the quake.

Two towns in the Cagayan province reported blackouts as a result of damaged power lines. In the same province bridges and roads were also damaged. In another town, La Paz in Abra, a 100-year-old Christian church suffered damage with some walls cracked and parts of its belfry collapsing.

Unfortunately, earthquakes are common in the Philippines since it sits along the Pacific Ring of Fire, which is an area of regular seismic and volcanic activity that stretches from Japan through Southeast Asia and across the Pacific Ocean. Yesterday’s earthquake was described by some locals as being longer than usual.

Published by truthisacommodity

Residing on the small island of Malta, I have developed a keen interest in foreign politics and science and in bringing truth to my audience by providing daily news! Email: info@whatnownews24.com View all posts by truthisacommodity