Earthquake shakes food from shop shelves in the Philippines

At least five people died and 130 others were injured after a powerful earthquake struck the northern Philippines on Wednesday, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

The magnitude 6.4 quake hit at 5:11 a.m. local time in the province of Abra, about 200 kilometers (124 miles) north of Manila. The quake was felt in several provinces in the northern Philippines, including Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan.

The quake caused widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure in Abra. The province's governor, Joy Bernos, said that at least five people had been killed and 130 others injured. The injured were brought to local hospitals for treatment. Some of the injured had serious injuries, and doctors said they might need to be transferred to hospitals in Manila for further treatment.

The quake also triggered landslides in several areas of Abra. The landslides blocked roads and made it difficult for rescuers to reach affected areas. The Philippine National Police (PNP) has deployed personnel to the affected areas to help with the rescue and relief operations.

The quake also caused panic among residents in the northern Philippines. Many people evacuated their homes and went to open spaces for safety. The PNP has advised residents to remain calm and to follow the instructions of local officials.

The quake is the strongest to hit the Philippines this year. It is also the strongest quake to hit the country since the magnitude 7.2 earthquake that struck the island of Bohol in 2013. The Bohol earthquake killed more than 200 people and injured thousands of others.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has warned that there could be more aftershocks in the coming days. The agency has advised residents to be prepared for aftershocks and to take precautions to minimize the risk of injuries.

The Philippine government has expressed its condolences to the families of the victims of the earthquake. The government has also pledged to provide assistance to the affected communities. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has deployed personnel to the affected areas to provide food, water, and other relief goods to the victims.

The earthquake is a reminder of the Philippines' vulnerability to natural disasters. The country is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region that is prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The Philippine government has urged residents to be prepared for natural disasters and to take precautions to minimize the risk of injuries.