TE24 International Desk:
BANGUED, Philippines – Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos on Thursday pledged to help rebuild homes damaged by the Luzon earthquake.
A 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck an island in the northern Philippines on Wednesday morning, killing at least five people and injuring more than 130. “For the damaged people and victims, make sure that we are ready to help them and give them what they need,” Marcos traveled to investigate the damage. After being briefed inside, he reported the matter to the authorities.
The ruins of Vigan’s streets, known for their old Spanish colonial architecture, have been removed, but shops, hotels and businesses remain closed. Elma Sia, 52, who works in a restaurant, recalled the fear of being hit by such a powerful earthquake.
Everything moved, dishes broke and lights shook. He was scared,” he said. He heard people screaming from a nearby McDonald’s restaurant, so people jumped into the square and started crying in fear. ” Earthquake
Marcos’ political stronghold also left evidence of destruction in the town of Bangued, Abra, just 11 kilometers from the epicenter. Jan residents camped in emergency shelters with their families. They are too afraid to stay at home. Since the great earthquake, seismologists have recorded about 800 aftershocks.
We were very scared, Erlinda Bisares told CNN Philippines. We didn’t think about ourselves, we just rushed out. Life is more important.
The Philippines, which is prone to natural disasters, lies on the seismically active Ring of Fire, a region of volcanoes and fault lines that criss-cross the Pacific Ocean. Earthquakes are common, with an average of 20 typhoons per year, some of which cause severe landslides.
Public Works Minister Manuel Bonoan told DZBB radio that his agency has begun removing debris from highways in Abra and other districts that were damaged by rockfall during the earthquake. However, some roads are yet to be destoned, hampering efforts to assess damage to irrigation facilities, the state irrigation department said. The state of Northern Luzon is the largest producer of rice and vegetables in the country.
Ricardo Jarrad, administrator of the Civil Protection Bureau, told radio station DZRH that some in Abra still lacked electricity and water and had communication problems. The budget ministry said authorities are ready to release funds for disaster relief.
