MANILA, Jul 27 (NNN-PNA) – A powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake, struck the Philippine island of Luzon, the US Geological Survey (USGS) says, with strong tremors felt in many areas, including the capital Manila.
There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries from the quake, which occurred at a relatively shallow depth of about 10 km.
USGS said, the earthquake’s epicentre was about 11 km east-southeast of the town of Dolores, in Abra province.
Eric Singson, a congressman in the northern Ilocos Sur province, told DZMM radio station, the quake had been felt strongly.
“The earthquake lasted 30 seconds or more. I thought my house would fall,” Singson said.
“We are trying to reach people. Right now there are aftershocks so we are outside our home.”
The quake was felt strongly in Manila, with the city’s metro system halted at rush hour, after the quake, the transport ministry said.
The senate building in the capital was also evacuated, media reported.
Renato Solidum, director of the state seismology agency, told DZMM radio station, the quake could have caused problems in Abra province, but there was no evidence of damage in Manila.
“In the capital region it was not destructive. It (did) not have an effect on structures but good to inspect vital facilities.”– NNN-PNA
