More aftershocks predicted after the 7.0-magnitude earthquake strikes in the northern Philippines

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A 7.0-magnitude earthquake has struck the northern Philippines, forcing people to flee buildings in the nation’s capital Manila.

Key points: The earthquake hit 10 kilometers undergroundSome areas have reported landslides, and shaking was felt more than 430km away in Manila The Philippines lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it prone to earthquakes

Officials said hospitals and homes were evacuated but that there have been no reported injuries from the strong quake, which was centerd around a mountainous area in Abra province.

Rovelyn Villamor, who is mayor of Lagangilang in Abra province, said the town was without power because the supply had been automatically cut off “due to danger”.

“We are still experiencing aftershocks,” Mr Villamor said.

“We have received reports of damages to houses, but so far no consequence.”

Abra’s provincial hospital was also damaged, with a gaping hole in the front entrance wall near the roof.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr ordered rescue and relief teams to be immediately dispatched to the area, and announced he would fly to the quake’s epicentre.

Despite damage to property, citizens escaped the quake unharmed. (AP: Raphiel Alzate)

Scientists at the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology say there have already been a number of aftershocks, with more expected.

The heavy shaking caused cracks in businesses and homes and was felt in the capital city of Manila, more than 430km away.

Congressman of nearby Ilocos Sur province, Eric Singson, told DZMM Radio the quake lasted around 30 seconds.

Businesses were among the damaged buildings in the quake. (AP: Raphiel Alzate)

“I thought my house would fall,” Mr Singson said.

“Now we are trying to reach people. Right now there are aftershocks so we are outside our home.”

Some towns nearest to the quake have reported landslides. No tsunami warning has been issued.

The US Geological Survey measured the quake’s strength at a magnitude of 7.0 at a depth of 10 kilometers.

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The Philippines lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, an arc of faults around the Pacific Ocean where most of the world’s earthquakes occur.

It is also prone to about 20 typhoons and tropical storms each year, making it one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries.

A magnitude-7.7 quake killed nearly 2,000 people in the northern Philippines in 1990.

ABC/AP/Reuters

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