Over 2,300 aftershocks reported after Abra earthquake

Residents affected by the powerful earthquake that hit Abra were evacuated and are now temporarily staying at the Bangued Town Plaza.

MANILA, Philippines — Over 2,300 aftershocks were reported after the strong magnitude 7.0 earthquake in Abra, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said on Tuesday.

In its 5 pm report, Phivolcs has reported 2,304 earthquakes, of which 762 were plotted or recorded ones, and 58 were felt.

The magnitude of the aftershocks ranges from 1.4 to 5.1, according to Phivolcs.

The state seismologist said that for several days to weeks, minor to moderate aftershocks are expected to occur in the epicentral area of the earthquake but occurrences of strong aftershocks could not be ruled out.

Ten were killed after the tremor hit northeast of Lagangilang, Abra, at 8:43 a.m last Wednesday, July 27,  according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

The province of Abra has also declared a state of calamity last Thursday.

The last largest earthquake event of magnitude 5.6 with an epicenter in Abra Province occurred in Bangued, Abra on September 12, 1877, according to Phivolcs.

JMS