4.4 magnitude quake hits Baguio

PAGO: The quake struck at 10:30 a.m. local time and was centered in the Pogo area near Baguio.

The quake was initially reported as 4.8, but the Geological Survey later downgraded it to 4.4. Officials said damage was being assessed.

After the Philippines, tremors were also felt in China, southwest of the country. The quake, which struck in the Sichuan province, measured 5.5 and had a depth of 10 kilometers.

Baguio, a city of about 366,000 people, evacuated hundreds of people from city offices and hospitals. Ralph Kabiwag, administrator of the Baguio City Health Office, told media that they were inspecting the building to see if there was any damage.

Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong ordered the closure of all primary and high schools in the city.

The Philippine Earthquake Administration said it expected damage, but the quake was of low intensity but was felt more deeply due to its shallow depth.

Baguio City is located on a mountain range and has been hit by earthquakes in the past. A 7.8-magnitude quake in July 1990 killed about 1,600 people.

Earthquakes are common in the Philippines, which is located on the ‘Ring of Fire’, where earthquakes and volcanic activity are common.

Meanwhile, the Philippine government said the death toll from a powerful earthquake that struck the central island of Cebu 10 days ago has risen to 74. Two more deaths were reported in the Madiun and Tabogon areas.

According to authorities, more than 72,000 homes were damaged or destroyed in the quake and 1,058 people were injured.