Bongbong Marcos orders full restoration of power, communication lines in earthquake-hit areas

CHIPPED AND CRACKED Strong tremors from the earthquake that shook the northern parts of Luzon on Wednesday left a trail of damage on the country’s heritage structures. Those now in need of repair include a Spanish colonial house (top) in the historic City of Vigan, a World Heritage Site, and an Aglipayan church (below) in La Paz town in Abra, in these pictures obtained from social media. —PHOTOS FROM REUTERS AND Vigan City PH Facebook page

BAGUIO CITY—President Marcos on Thursday ordered concerned agencies to prioritize the restoration of electricity and communication lines in areas affected by Wednesday’s magnitude 7.0 earthquake.

During a situation briefing in Bangued town, Abra province, Mr. Marcos said water supply must also be restored immediately.

“These are the critical parts to support the victims in the meantime, hanggang makabalik sila (until they return),” Marcos said.

Senator Imee Marcos, who was at the briefing, said solar water purifying units had been deployed in the Ilocos region.

This prompted the president to order the procurement of more water purification units for Abra and other quake-affected areas. Inquirer One Luzon Bureau INQ

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