Strong earthquake injures dozens in the Philippines

By Alastair Wanklyn

An earthquake has struck the northern Philippines, injuring at least three dozen people and leaving buildings damaged.

The 6.4 quake shook buildings across much of northern Luzon island, including the capital, Manila. Houses were damaged. The belfry of a church collapsed. Cracks appeared in roads.

The victims were mostly hurt by falling debris.

Hospitals evacuated patients, and schools were closed until buildings could be checked for damage.

Centered around Abra Province

The quake centered on Abra province, which was recovering from a stronger quake in July which killed at least five people.

Following the latest incident, hundreds of aftershocks were felt.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos said residents are asking for tents because they’re afraid to go back into their houses.

The Philippines suffers a range of natural disasters every year. Luzon is currently bracing for a storm which is developing off the eastern coast.

Meteorologists say the storm is likely to become a typhoon, which will bring strong wind and flooding to the northern Philippines this weekend.