Ilocos Sur suspends work, urges evacuation if necessary

Following the magnitude 7 earthquake that hit Abra, the provincial government of Ilocos Sur on Wednesday morning suspended work in both public and private sectors.

In an executive order, Ilocos Sur Governor Jerry Singson said he suspended work "as a safety measure and in order to minimize the adverse effects and damages" of the earthquake.

According to the PHIVOLCS, Intensity VI was felt in Ilocos Sur.

Singson said Intensity VI was felt in Vigan, Sinait, Bantay, and San Esteban while Intensify V was felt in Magsingal and San Juan.

He also directed local government units to evacuate residents in coastal areas, if necessary.

"All LGUs are hereby directed and ordered to evacuate communities in the coastal areas, if necessary, based on the assessment of their respective local DRRM, assess the damage sustained by their respective localities, and take the necessary measures to ensure public safety," he said.

For its part, PHIVOLCS has said that there is no threat of a tsunami following the strong earthquake.

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. will fly to Abra immediately "as soon as the all clear is given," Press Trixie Cruz-Angeles said at a press briefing.

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said one person was killed following the earthquake. However, the information is "still being checked" by the local government. — Joahna Lei Casilao/RSJ, GMA News