Luzon quake death toll rises to 16

MANILA, Philippines — Sixteen people were confirmed dead after a 6.1 magnitude earthquake rocked parts of Luzon, including Metro Manila, on Monday afternoon, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRMMC) said.

The worst hit was the province of Pampanga where most of the fatalities were recorded. Five of the 16 dead lost their lives at the Chuzon Supermarket in Porac; seven were from different parts of Porac; 2 were from Lubao; one in Angeles; and one in San Marcelino, Zambales.

Eighty-one were injured, and 14 remained missing in Central Luzon.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has set aside P1.3 billion as standby funds.

The NDRRMC advised the public to be on alert for aftershocks and stay calm.

The earthquake struck past 5 p.m. with an epicenter in Castillejos, Zambales at a depth of 21 kilometers.

The Philippines has one of the most active fault lines, being part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, where the majority of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur. /ee