Earthquake Hits Luzon

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition Series 2):

JULY 16, 1990

A 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit Luzon at 4:26 p.m. that lasted for 40 seconds. 

Baguio City was among the cities that was hardest struck and was isolated from the country for 48 hours. 

Hyatt Terraces Hotel, a famous landmark in the city was totally destroyed with 80 hotel employees and guests killed. 

Many buildings collapsed that included government, private homes and establishments. 

Water, electricity and communication lines were destroyed and Kennon Road became inaccessible owing to the landslides.

The cities of Cabanatuan and Dagupan, and the province of La Union were also affected by the quake. 

Metro Manila was not spared. A total of 1,621 people from the Cordillera Region and Central Luzon lost their lives.

(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan B. Uy) All rights reserved

Photo credit: top5s.co.uk