Luzon earthquake damaged 3,494 houses, 51 buildings – DILG

A damaged house in Abra (Daniza Fernandez / INQUIRER.net)

MANILA, Philippines — The magnitude 7.0 earthquake that jolted Abra and other parts of Luzon on Wednesday damaged 3,494 houses and 51 buildings, according to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). 

Citing its initial assessment, the DILG on Thursday said the powerful tremor left 317 houses and two private buildings in ruins, while 3,177 houses and 49 buildings were partially damaged.

“Residents and volunteer groups likewise have to face the challenge of transportation as 47 roads and six bridges were reportedly impassable or partially impassable,” the DILG said in a statement.

It added that 19 local government units (LGUs) have since reported continuous power interruptions.

“LGUs in the hard-hit areas of Ilocos region, Cagayan Valley and the Cordillera Administrative Region are on top of the situation and will continue to respond to the needs of our citizens,” DILG chief Benhur Abalos said. 

“Our LGUs have already convened their respective Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Managements Councils and have activated the red alert status,” he added.

The magnitude 7.0 earthquake on Wednesday morning left at least five individuals dead.

Abra has already declared a state of calamity.

 gsg