At least 3 dozen people were injured and buildings damaged after a strong earthquake hit the northern Philippines.
C. Rubini CTC, Vatican News
The 6.5-magnitude earthquake was felt not only in most parts of northern Lutson Island but also in the capital, Manila. Houses were destroyed, church bell towers collapsed and roads were cracked.
Buildings collapsed and many people were injured. Hospitals have evacuated patients and schools have been closed until buildings can be checked.
The epicenter of the earthquake is Abra province. This is where five people were killed in another strong earthquake last July. Hundreds of smaller earthquakes have been recorded since the most recent event. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos said people were asking for tents because they were afraid to return home. Every year, the people of the Philippines are exposed to various natural disasters.
The Lutzon region is bracing for a storm forming on the east coast. Forecasters say the storm has the potential to become a typhoon and could bring strong winds and flooding in the northern Philippines this weekend.