Philippines: Disruptions and aftershocks ongoing following magnitude-7.0 earthquake in northern Luzon July 27 /update 4

Event

Disruptions are ongoing across parts of northern Luzon following a magnitude-7.0 earthquake in Abra Province as of July 27. Authorities have confirmed at least five fatalities, and at least 65 people have been injured. Reports indicate that structures, including 173 buildings and dozens of roads, in Cagayan Valley, Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos Region, and National Capital Region, have sustained damages. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has reported that 14 national roads and many other minor routes have been made impassable by landslides or other safety reasons across the affected area. Authorities have confirmed that there is no large-scale damage to power infrastructure however, power outages have been reported in San Isidro Town in Abra Province and Laoag City in Ilocos Norte Province. Water supply has been disrupted in parts of Baguio City. It could take several hours until authorities complete comprehensive damage assessments, especially in remote areas.

Authorities in Benguet, Ilocos Sur, and Pangasinan provinces suspended work and classes July 27. Northern Benguet District Hospital in Buguias, Benguet Province, was evacuated following damage to the building. The senate building in Manila was also evacuated.

Authorities temporarily halted operations of Manila City's Metro Rail Transit Line 3 and Light Rail Transit Lines 1 and 2 for inspections in case of damage. The Philippine National Railways also temporarily suspended the Metro North and Metro South Commuter Service. All rail services in the National Capital Region have resumed as of late July 27. Authorities have confirmed that no damages occurred at most airports, except for minor cracks at Loakan Airport (BAG) in Baguio; flight disruptions are unlikely. Officials may temporarily shut down additional transportation infrastructure in the tremor zone to check for damage. Minor disruptions could occur during shutdowns, but service will likely resume quickly if no damage is found. Utility outages are possible, particularly near the earthquake's epicenter.

The magnitude-7.0 earthquake occurred in Abra Province, Cordillera Administrative Region at around 08:43 PST July 27. The epicenter was about 11 km (7 miles) east-southeast of Dolores. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 10 km (6 miles), and very strong shaking was likely felt throughout Abra Province, while strong to moderate shaking was probably felt throughout northern and central Cordillera Administrative Region, northern Cordillera Administrative Region, and western Cagayan Valley. Moderate to light shaking was probably felt throughout the rest of northern Luzon. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology (PHIVOLCS) has recorded hundreds of aftershocks of magnitude-1.5 or above in the area during the hours after the original quake. Magnitude-4.9 aftershocks were recorded 09:29 and 11:28, and a magnitude-5.2 at 15:38 July 27. Additional moderate to light aftershocks are likely over the coming days.

Advice

Plan accordingly for aftershocks. Consider vacating multistory buildings if operating in affected areas until authorities confirm their structural integrity. Allow additional time for air and road travel, as aftershocks may prompt brief disruptions. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving in hilly areas in the affected region due to potential landslides.