The local government units of Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela (CAMANAVA) and Quezon City have conducted structural inspection on buildings and other facilities in their cities following the 7.0-magnitude earthquake that was felt in parts of Luzon on Wednesday, July 27.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Philvocs) said that a 7.3-magnitude earthquake shook areas in Luzon at around 8:43 a.m. on Wednesday. The earthquake's magnitude was later downgraded to 7.0.
The Malabon City Engineering Department (CED) conducted immediate building inspection to ensure the safety of the city hall after the quake was felt.
The local government said that at around 30 minutes after the inspection the city hall was declared safe for use and employees who were evacuated on F. Sevilla and Rizal Avenues were allowed to return to their posts.
It added that reports from the city’s 21 barangays regarding possible damages due to the earthquake were also immediately consolidated to the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO).
According to the city government, there are no earthquake-related injuries or casualties reported as of 11 a.m., however, visual cracks were seen on the buildings of Dampalit Elementary School - Main and Muzon Elementary School. It said that the CED will further check the cracks to determine the extent of apparent damage.
The Caloocan City government also said that structural inspection was made at the City Hall. No damages were reported.
It said that the City Engineering Office is currently inspecting the Caloocan City Medical Center (CCMC), Caloocan City North Medical Center (CCNMC), University of Caloocan City (UCC) campuses, Caloocan Sports Complex, and other government structures to check for damages.
The Navotas City Engineering Office also inspected the City Hall and its annex immediately after the earthquake. No damages were also reported.
Inspections made at Navotas City Hospital and Navotas Vocational Training and Assessment Institute training centers were also made.
Meanwhile, the Quezon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (QCDRRMO) said there were no reported damages due to the earthquake in the local government’s facilities.
“We are monitoring the situation for possible aftershocks and are in close communication with Phivolcs for any update. We are prepared and have teams on standby for any adverse impacts,” it said.
“The barangays are advised the same and to ensure that assessments on buildings are carried out first before advising the public to return,” it added.
The Valenzuela CIty government also deployed their personnel to assess their buildings for possible damages.
It also reminded its residents to check their homes and nearby structures for cracks and damages, report them to their office, and be prepared for possible aftershocks by following safety precautions.