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| Shows a structure leaning after a magnitude-7.0 earthquake struck the province and was felt in many parts of Luzon, including Metro Manila, on July 27, 2022. (Photo from Release / Office of Rep. Menchie Bernos) |
[Asia News = Reporter Reakkana] BAGUIO CITY: Abra province, perhaps the hardest hit among northern provinces by the magnitude-7 earthquake on Wednesday morning, has declared a state of calamity. Tayum, Abra was the epicenter of Wednesday's jolt that affected most provinces in the Northern Philippines and that was felt as far as Metro Manila. The Sangguniang Panlalawigan, via a resolution, placed the entire province under a state of calamity citing severe damage to private and government properties, PhilStar reported.
Around 80% of the province's population was affected by the earthquake. At least four northern towns in the province — Tubo, Daguioman, Bucloc and Lacub — remain isolated from the provincial capital Bangued because of landslides blocking the roads. Three more upland towns — Malibcong, Manabo, Pidigan and Tineg — also reported landslides. Manabo Bridge in Manabo town, and Calaba Bridge in Bangued and at least 20 other government properties were also damaged by the earthquake. Abra's disaster management council said government work and classes in the entire province will be suspended until Friday.
Abra Gov. Dominic Valera approved the state of calamity declaration, which will allow the use of calamity funds for aid and rehabilitation efforts and impose a freeze on the prices of basic commodities.
