1 dead, 34 injured in Ilocos Sur after Luzon earthquake

Several buildings in Bangued town were damaged after a 7.0-magnitude earthquake jolted Abra on July 27. 

LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte—At least one person died, while 34 others were injured in Ilocos Sur province after a 7-magnitude earthquake hit large parts of Luzon on Wednesday, according to Governor Jeremias “Jerry” Singson.

In a television interview, Singson said the fatality was an 88-year-old woman buried in a landslide.

Another report from the provincial disaster risk reduction management office (PDRRMO) showed that the woman was from Suyo town.

Of the 34 injuries, Singson said they were due to various reasons, with some falling from escaping their homes and areas during the earthquake and being hit by fallen debris. Some also fainted and suffered burns, according to the PDRRMO report.

Singson said the world-renowned UNESCO heritage site would continue to be closed to tourists, and that work in the public and private sectors, except those engaged in disaster and health services, was suspended until further notice.

The Office of the Civil Defense had raised a red alert status in the Ilocos region, with local governments encouraged to do the same. INQ

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