A devastating 7.1 magnitude earthquake has struck the northern Philippines, with strong shocks felt in Manila
A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake hit the Philippine island of Luzon on Wednesday, the US Geological Survey said, with strong tremors felt in many areas, including the capital Manila.
There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries at the epicenter, which was 10 km (6 mi) deep.
The USGS said the epicenter was about 11 kilometers (six miles) east-southeast of the town of Dolores in Abra province.
Eric Singson, a congressman from the northern province of Ilocos Sur, told radio station DZMM that the earthquake was felt strongly.
“The duration of the earthquake was 30 seconds or more. I thought my house was going to topple over,” Singson said.
Now, we are making efforts to reach out to people…. The aftershocks are being felt right now so we are out of our homes,” he added.
The quake was also felt strongly in Manila, and the city’s metro rail system was shut down as a result of the quake, the Transportation Ministry said.
The capital’s senate building has also been evacuated, the media reported.
Renato Solidum, director of the state seismological agency, told DZMM radio station that the quake may have increased damage in the area where Dolores is located, but no damage was seen in Manila.
“It has not been destructive in the capital region. I think it will not affect the structure but it is good to visit important facilities like the MRT.”