A strong earthquake shook the northern parts of the Philippines
A strong earthquake with an intensity of 7,1 degrees on the Richter scale shook the Philippine province of Abra, north of the capital Manila.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the immediate dispatch of rescue teams and aid to the province. He is expected to leave for the quake-hit area soon.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology initially said the earthquake had a magnitude of 7,3. No tsunami warning was issued after the earthquake.
It was initially reported that there were no reports of casualties or property damage. However, the earthquake that hit northern parts of the Philippines triggered landslides, damaged buildings and forced the evacuation of people from high-rise buildings in the capital, Manila, officials said.
The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Laganhilang, 335 kilometers north of Manila. There are damaged houses and bridges in the city, said Mayor Ruby Villamor.
The National Disaster Management Agency said some areas were without electricity and telephone connections.
"Aftershocks are being registered every 15 minutes," said Abra Province Deputy Governor Joy Bernos.