Fatal 7.1 earthquake strikes Philippines
STORY: A powerful earthquake has struck the Philippines killing several people.
The 7.1 magnitude quake struck the island of Luzon on Wednesday (July 27), damaging buildings and sending strong tremors through the capital Manila.
Scores of people are believed to have been injured according to the country’s interior minister Benjamin Abalos.
Speaking at a news conference, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr assured people rescue and relief efforts would continue.
"...By the end of the day, the majority of these roads that I have mentioned that's being not passable should already be available for use."
"I don't think it's necessary right now to declare a national emergency."
The Philippines’ state seismology agency has warned strong aftershocks are expected to continue.
In Abra, the worst affected province, 58 landslides and 173 damaged buildings have been reported, according to government figures.
In Manila, several buildings were evacuated and the city's metro rail systems were halted at rush hour.
The Philippines is prone to natural disasters and is located on the seismically active Pacific "Ring of Fire," a band of volcanoes and fault lines that arcs round the edge of the Pacific Ocean.
