Some school, hospital buildings in Ilocos Norte damaged by earthquake

Cracks in houses, buildings, and other infrastructure appeared in Ilocos Norte following the Magnitude 6.4 earthquake which hit Abra and which was also felt in other provinces in Northern Luzon.

According to Joanne Ponsoy's report on "24 Oras," bookshelves were knocked down, and books were seen falling inside the Mariano Marcos State University library.

Parts of ceiling of its center for flexible learning section were damaged.

The center has been declared unsafe after a structure inspection was conducted at the university. Several buildings and classrooms were also damaged.

“'Yang mga silid-aralan namin is good for occupancy... The offices and classrooms are safe for occupancy except for the co-ed store and the center for flexible learning," said Dr. Shirley Agrupis, president of the Mariano Marcos State University.

The Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center also sustained cracks due to the Earthquake. The patients were temporarily transferred but were also sent back to their wards.

“Yung mga pasyente bumalik kaninang madaling araw, 2’oclock, nagpabalik na sila. Yung fire marshall siya pumasok din doon nakita niya safe naman yung ibang structures po,” said Arvi Francis Lumang, Batac City's DRRM Officer.

Cracks were also seen in four- to five-story buildings in the area.

Authorities have cordoned off the sites, and employees and borders are temporarily prohibited from entering the said buildings.

“Initial assessment nag-crack yung hagdanan ng building. Idineclare na BFP na unsafe," Lumang added. —Sherylin Untalan/NB, GMA News