5 hurt in Cagayan quake

MANILA, Philippines — Five people were injured when a magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck Cagayan and nearby provinces on Tuesday night.

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) reported yesterday that the five were injured when a wall collapsed in Calayan town.

Two of the victims suffered brain trauma and head concussions. The  three others had minor injuries.

There was no report of death or people evacuated due to the quake.

The OCD said search and rescue teams are on standby and would be deployed if the need arises.

Calayan Mayor Joseph Llopis suspended classes to pave the way for the inspection of school buildings after cracks at the Calayan High School were monitored.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said  104 aftershocks were recorded as of 3 p.m. yesterday.

The aftershocks had magnitudes ranging from 1.5 to 3.7.

The epicenter of the quake was located 22 kilometers northeast of Dalupiri Island.

The quake was felt at Intensity 5, which is classified as strong, in Bacarra, Bangui, Burgos, Pagudpud, Paoay, Pasuquin and San Nicolas and Laoag City in Ilocos Norte.

It was felt at Intensity 4 or moderately strong in Luna, Apayao; Batac City, Currimao and Pinili in Ilocos Norte, and Claveria, Enrile, Pamplona, Sanchez-Mira and Sta. Praxedes in Cagayan.

Moderate shaking was felt in parts of Abra and Ilocos Sur.

Phivolcs said damage and more aftershocks are expected from the quake. – Romina Cabrera