MANILA, Philippines, July 27 (NNN-PNA) – Five people were killed and 12 injured, in two earthquakes that struck the archipelago of Batanes, north of Philippines’ main Luzon island today (Saturday), a local official said.
Batanes Governor, Marilou Cayco, told local media that, five people were reported dead and 12 injured in the first quake of 5.4-magnitude, that struck before dawn today (Saturday). A historic church and some houses were damaged, she added.
The first quake, which struck at 4:16 a.m. local time, hit at a depth of 12 km, about 12 km north-east of Itbayat.
The second quake of 6.4 magnitude struck at 7:38 a.m.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), said, the second quake hit at a depth of 43 km about 19 km north-west of Itbayat. Both quakes were tectonic in origin.
Phivolcs director, Renato Solidum, told a local radio station that a quake of such intensity could cause damage to houses and infrastructure.
According to the institute, the tremors were also felt in the towns of Basco and Sabtang.
Aftershocks are expected, the institute said.– NNN-PNA
