A 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck the mountainous province of Abra at 8.43 a.m. local time on 27 July, triggering landslides and the collapse of structures. The tectonic earthquake’s epicenter was located in the town of Tayum, Abra (17.64°N, 120.63°E - 003 km N 45° W) at a depth of 17 kilometers, with the tremor felt in varying intensities across Northern Luzon including the capital Metro Manila. Initial assessments from local governments, supplemented by reports from the press and social media, indicated collapsed structures, landslides, and damages to roads in the provinces of Abra, Ilocos Sur, Benguet. Water, power and communication lines seem to be functioning in most of the affected areas. At least four deaths were reported but these are still being verified by authorities. According to the initial situation report of Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), there are currently 1,624 people currently in 16 evacuation centers in Ilocos Sur province. (OCHA, 27 Jul 2022)

UPDATE:

 

• Following the 7.0 magnitude earthquake in Northern Philippines, Abra Province, on 27 July 2022, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported the number of affected people has increased to 443,152 (up by 21,424 people in the last 24 hours) and 63,303 displaced persons as of 4 August 2022. The number of people in need are expected to continue rising as damage assessments reach areas so far inaccessible.
• During the last 24 hours, 117 aftershocks were recorded out of a total of 2,484 aftershocks according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology. It was also reported that 30,066 houses and 1,476 public structures and facilities were damaged.
• Results of the United Nations and NGO coordinated assessment is being discussed in a Humanitarian Country Team meeting on 4 August.
• The European Union has allocated €800,000 in emergency funds to provide the most vulnerable in the hardest-hit areas with shelter, safe drinking water and sanitation, hygiene, mental health and psychosocial support as well as education.