24 Apr 2019 | 02:02 AM UTC
Philippines: Clark Airport (CRK) to partially reopen April 24 /update 5
Clark International Airport (CRK) in Pampanga province (Central Luzon region) to partially reopen on the afternoon of April 24; continued flight cancelations and delays expected in coming days
Event
Clark International Airport (CRK) in Pampanga province (Central Luzon region) will partially reopen on Wednesday, April 24, at 16:00 (local time) following a strong earthquake in the region on Monday, April 22, according to airport authorities. Damage to the airport's old terminal has been largely repaired or removed and the runway and air traffic control tower were undamaged in the quake. Cargo flights resumed on Tuesday, April 23, and the first passenger flight is scheduled to depart on Wednesday at 19:40. Many flights have already been canceled by their airlines and further cancelations, delays, and crowded flights are expected in the coming hours and days.
Authorities raised the death toll from Monday's earthquake to 16 on Wednesday. At least 81 people were injured and 14 more remain missing, according to the Office of Civil Defense. Many of those killed were in a Porac (Pampanga province) supermarket that collapsed. Damage to infrastructure and associated road closures and transportation disruptions are likely to persist in the coming days. Further aftershocks remain possible.
Context
The US Geological Survey (USGS) recorded a 6.1-magnitude earthquake in Luzon, on the northern shore of Manila Bay, on April 22. The quake struck around 17:11 on Monday, approximately 25 km (15 mi) south of Angeles (Pampanga province, Central Luzon region) at a depth of 20 km (12 mi). A 4.7-magnitude aftershock was recorded in the same area at 02:03 on April 24.
Advice
Individuals flying through CRK are advised to monitor the situation, confirm their flight status with their airline, maintain flexible itineraries, adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities, and anticipate flight disruptions (e.g. cancelations, delays, congestion).
Individuals in Central Luzon region are advised to be prepared for aftershocks, anticipate transportation, power, and telecommunication disruptions, and to adhere to instructions issued by local authorities (e.g. road closures, evacuation notices). In the event of aftershocks, individuals are advised to protect themselves from falling debris if indoors, to move away from windows, and not attempt to leave the building unless there is an immediate danger. If outdoors, move away from tall buildings, utility wires, and streetlights.
