44 injured after 6.4 magnitude Abra quake — NDRRMC

A total of 44 people were injured in Ilocos and Cordillera following the 6.4 magnitude earthquake in Abra on October 25, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said Thursday.

These injuries were wounds, contusion, swelling, hematoma, musculoskeletal strain, crushing of fingers, among others, it said.

At a public briefing, NDRRMC spokesperson Raffy Alejandro said the number of affected people has increased to 132,208, or around 40,000 families.

A total of 2,052 houses were damaged, of which nine were totally damaged. At least 125 structures worth P53.7 million were also damaged.

Over 600 aftershocks were recorded in the affected areas, prompting some residents to decide not to return to their homes yet.

At least 486 people, or around 200 families, were staying in evacuation centers.

According to the NDRRMC, a bridge in Ilocos is still not passable to motorists.

A total of 94 classes and 86 work schedules were suspended due to the earthquake, the NDRRMC said.

Assistance worth P207,988.25 has been provided to earthquake victims in Cagayan and Cordillera that includes financial aid, sleeping kits, and family food packs.

Interviewed on Dobol B TV, Office of Civil Defense-Region 1 civil defense officer Bernadette Abubo said that some hospitals, roads, and bridges were damaged.

She said local government units (LGUs) have been assessing the damage in their areas and are working on possible assistance to affected residents.

Within the day, Abubo said the LGUs would complete the comprehensive assessment of affected areas.

PHIVOLCS said the epicenter of the earthquake, which struck at 10:59 p.m. on Tuesday, was located seven kilometers northwest of Lagayan, Abra.

The earthquake, which was tectonic in origin, had a depth of 11 kilometers, it added. — Joviland Rita/RSJ/VBL, GMA News