Over 1,000 aftershocks reported after Abra earthquake, says Phivolcs

SACRED BUT SCARRED A portion of an old Catholic church in Tayum, Abra province, one of its treasured heritage sites, is reduced to this following Wednesday’s magnitude 7 earthquake. —Reuters

MANILA, Philippines — Over 1,000 aftershocks were reported after the strong magnitude 7.0 earthquake in Abra, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said on Friday.

In its 5 am update, Phivolcs has reported 1,055 earthquakes, of which 260 were plotted or recorded ones, and 26 were felt.

The magnitude of the aftershocks ranges from 1.5 to 5.0, 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.

Five people have died while 131 were injured after the tremor hit northeast of Lagangilang, Abra, at 8:43 a.m, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

The province of Abra has since declared a state of calamity on Thursday.

According to Phivolcs, the Abra tremblor is considered by far the largest earthquake event in the province, since the most intense earthquake to have hit the province only recorded magnitude 5.6, with epicenter located in Bangued, Abra on September 12, 1877.

EDV