No damage at Basco and Itbayat airports after quake–authorities

MANILA, Philippines — The Basco Airport and the Itbayat Airport both in Batanes acquired no significant damage following the twin quakes that struck the province, said the report of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) submitted to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Saturday.

In an advisory, the DOTr said the CAAP conducted an initial inspection of the airport facilities in the province following the series of earthquakes.

During these visits, no significant damage was found in the two airports.

“Passengers and personnel in both gateways are safe and have been moved out of the Passenger Terminal Buildings,” the DOTr said.

Several structures were damaged in Batanes including the historic Sta. Maria de Mayan Church, which was severely damaged by the quake.

Several local houses and other structures were damaged, according to reports.

READ: LOOK: Historic church in Itbayat, Batanes, houses, damaged by magnitude 5.4 quake

A 5.4-magnitude earthquake hit the town at 4:16 a.m. and was followed by a moderately strong magnitude 5.9 quake at 7:37 a.m.

Eight casualties and at least 60 people sustaining injuries have been reported as of posting time. /jpv

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