One year ago today, a 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck Central Luzon and in its aftermath left 16 dead mostly from the towns of Porac and Lubao, Angeles City and San Marcelino, Zambales.
On that fateful Monday afternoon, the Chuzon Market in Porac town collapsed and pinned to their death three workers. Two more have died in Lubao town, one in Angeles City and one in San Marcelino, Zambales.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Managament Council said nine people have been pulled out alive from the rubbles of the Chuzon Market, which also has branches in the towns of Apalit and Sto. Tomas.
The earthquake’s epicenter was recorded in Zambales province but more deaths had been reported in Porac, Pampanga.
One year after the earthquake, the first recorded confirmed case of the new coronavirus or COVID-19 was recorded from Porac town, a Grab driver who has since recovered.
Natural calamities such as earthquake or typhoon will not stop for an invincible enemy, according to Angeles resident Nilo Ayson. “We just have to be ready.”