APD | Five Reported Dead in Strong Earthquake in Philippines

By APD writer Melo M. Acuña

MANILA,Apr.22(APD) - Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) Director Renato Solidum said the 5:11 P.M. earthquake had a magnitude of 6.1 said have originated some 21 kilometers deep in Castillejos town in Zambales Province.

Intensity V was recorded in San Felipe, Zambales, Malolos and Obando in Bulacan province, Quezon, Manila, Lipa, Batangas and Valenzuela Cities and the town of Abucay in Bataan andMagalang in Pampanga Province.

The earthquake was also felt as far as Baler, Aurora in the eastern seaboard of the main island of Luzon and as far south in Guinayangan, Quezon in the Bondoc Peninsula and Sinait, Ilocos Sur.

Meanwhile, initial media reports over GMA News quoted Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda who said five were reported to have died due to the earthquake.

A businessman who refused to be identified said said they have mobilized their staff to work with rescue operatives to check on the collapsed Tuzon Supermarket in Porac town in Pampanga.

In a phone interview with this writer, he added the local government has provided three payloaders and personnel to help in the rescue operations. He said they cannot move because they have no electric power.

Meanwhile, Special Assistant to Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade Engr. Alberto Suansing said they are verifying initial reports the vital Subic-Clark Expressway suffered some damages due to the quake.

There are also efforts to check on the condition of Diosdado Macapagal (Clark) International Airport which has served as another gateway to the Manila International Airport. 

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)