Philippines deploys army for rescue operations in quake-hit areas

ANKARA (AA) – The Philippines deployed armed forces in earthquake-hit areas for rescue operations, state-run media said on Thursday.

A powerful earthquake of 7.0 magnitude rocked the northern Philippines on Wednesday, triggering landslides and damage to infrastructure.

"Since yesterday the 24th Infantry Battalion (24IB) has helped evacuate the patients in a hospital in Bangued, Abra. (while) units helped in road clearing, provided transportation assistance, and conducted search and rescue operations in different areas in northern Luzon," the Philippine News Agency quoted army spokesman Col. Jorry Baclor as saying.

So far at least five people are reported killed and 114 wounded while 3,456 families (nearly 13,000 people) have been displaced, according to officials.

The government also set up evacuation centers for 541 families so far.

According to The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, over 800 aftershocks were recorded during the last 24 hours in the affected areas.

The magnitudes of these aftershocks ranged from 1.5 to 5, said the agency.

Authorities advised locals to avoid damaged buildings as aftershocks will continue and they could cause harm.

* Writing by Islamuddin Sajid