A strong earthquake shook the northern Philippines, injuring at least one person, damaging buildings and prompting many people in the capital to run outdoors.
The 7-magnitude quake was centred around Abra province in a mountainous area, said Renato Solidum, the head of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.
"The ground shook like I was on a swing and the lights suddenly went out. We rushed out of the office, and I heard screams and some of my companions were in tears," said Michael Brillantes, a safety officer of the Abra town of Lagangilang, near the epicentre.
![A damaged car is seen along a road after a strong quake hit Bangued, Abra province, northern Philippines. Photo / AP](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/KFRR7HHMUQXJCWU2RN4CI5WNBU.jpg?auth=04a92c11c4b2a2b072c1fd9cc857fdf52c0477530f66229647271feb38b37804&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
"It was the most powerful quake I've felt and I thought the ground would open up," Brillantes told The Associated Press by cellphone.