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Major 7.0-magnitude earthquake hits Philippines; at least 4 dead

The earthquake was followed by more than 15 aftershocks, some as strong as magnitude-4.7, the Phivolcs said, adding there was no threat of a tsunami. Photo courtesy Philippine Red Cross/Twitter
1 of 3 | The earthquake was followed by more than 15 aftershocks, some as strong as magnitude-4.7, the Phivolcs said, adding there was no threat of a tsunami. Photo courtesy Philippine Red Cross/Twitter

July 27 (UPI) -- A strong 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck in the northern Philippines on Wednesday -- killing several people, inflicting major damage and forcing trains to stop more than 200 miles away in Manila.

The quake hit in Tayum in the northern province of Abra at a depth of 10 miles, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said after revising the shock down from a magnitude 7.3 strike.

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The earthquake was followed by more than 15 aftershocks, some as strong as magnitude-4.7, the Phivolcs said, adding there was no threat of a tsunami.

Philippines official Benhur Abalos told reporters during a press conference that at least four people were dead, including two in Benguetnget Province and one in Abra. Dozens were injured.

Abalos said 15 provinces were impacted by the earthquake, which also damaged dozens of buildings, roads and bridges.

Abra Rep. Ching Bernos shared pictures through the Philippine Information Agency of damaged buildings, some leaning at a dangerous tilt. The congresswoman urged residents to prioritize safety as further aftershocks may follow.

"Please join us in praying for Abra and the continuous safety of our beloved Abrenos," she said.

The Philippines Red Cross also posted pictures online that showed crushed vehicles under the weight of debris following the quake. Patients were evacuated with help from the Red Cross at Abra Provincial Hospital due to damage.

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Ilocos Province Gov. Jerry Singson and governors in Luzon Island urged evacuations of coastal communities if necessary.

According to Phivolcs, residents of Manila, which is more than 250 miles from Abra, experienced the earthquake at an intensity level of five on the 10-level scale, meaning the "vibration is felt like a passing of [a] heavy truck."

The rumbling forced several Manila Metro Rail Transit systems to suspend operations.

"All trains were advised to stop," MRT-3 said in an advisory. "Assessment of all facilities and systems are ongoing."

Philippine President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos said in a statement that his office is receiving information about damage and that "we are ensuring prompt response to the needs of our countrymen affected by this disaster."

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