At least five people died and 64 others were injured after a powerful earthquake struck the northern Philippines on Wednesday, state-run Philippine News Agency (PNA) reported, citing authorities.
The 7.0-magnitude quake hit northern Luzon, the country's most populous island, at 8:43 a.m. local time, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). The agency originally designated the quake 7.1-magnitude, before downgrading it to 7.0.
Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. said in a news conference that 58 landslides had been reported, and more than 200 towns in 15 provinces were affected by the quake.
Infrastructure was damaged across northern Luzon, including more than 400 homes, dozens of schools, several hospitals and bridges, and the centuries-old Vigan Cathedral and Banta Bell Tower, PNA said, citing the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD).
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said citizens should brace for any aftershocks, but added it had not issued a tsunami warning because the quake was detected inland.
Abra is a landlocked region known for deep valleys and mountainous terrain.
