Prayers pour in after powerful Abra earthquake

TINGNAN | Nagsidatingan na ang mga sugatang Abreño sa Abra Provincial Hospital (APH) para sa agarang lunas. Ito ay dulot na malakas na lindol sa buong probinsya na hanggang ngayon, nararanasan parin ang mga aftershocks. Agad nang binibigyan ng medical na atensyon ang mga sugatan. #EarthquakeAbra | #EarthquakePH (📸: Michelle Ortaleza)

Victims of the powerful earthquake that struck Abra have arrived at the Abra Provincial Hospital (APH) for treatment. The province continued to experience aftershocks. (📸: Michelle Ortaleza via PIA Abra Facebook)

MANILA, Philippines — Prayers from around the world poured in for the Philippines after the magnitude 7 earthquake that struck Abra province and jolted other parts of Luzon on Wednesday.

Ambassadors to the Philippines of the United States (US), China, Japan, and France, in separate statements, extended their thoughts and prayers for the country, especially those who were affected.

“Sending my thoughts and prayers to those affected by the [earthquake] in Abra and nearby provinces. The U.S. extends our condolences to those who have lost loved ones,” US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson posted on social media site Twitter.

“We are praying for the safety of everyone following the 7.3 magnitude [earthquake], especially the residents of Abra, and nearby provinces,” Japanese Ambassador Koshikawa Kazuhiko also shared on Twitter.

The Embassy of France in the Philippines and to Micronesia meanwhile said: “Sending our thoughts and prayers to those affected by the [earthquake] in Abra and nearby provinces.”

“[France] stands by the Philippines as the country is badly struck by another natural disaster. All our thoughts go to the casualties and persons affected by the destruction wrought by the earthquake,” French Ambassador Michèle Boccoz went on.

Meanwhile, aside from offering prayers for the country, China expressed preparedness in providing assistance to the Philippines.

“On behalf of the Chinese Embassy, I would like to extend my thoughts and prayers to the Philippine government and the Filipino people affected by this morning’s earthquake in Luzon,” Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian posted on social media giant Facebook.

“We are ready to extend helping hand to the Philippine side for disaster relief. I believe under the leadership of President Marcos Jr., the Filipino people will be able to overcome difficulties and resume normal life as soon as possible. Let us all stay safe,” he added.

Australia likewise said that they are ready to extend help in case needed.

“The Embassy is monitoring the situation following [earthquake] and keeping contact with Philippine government and partners to assess needs. Australia is prepared to respond if required,” Australian Embassy in the Philippines Chargés d’Affaires Richard Sisson posted on Twitter.

The delegation of the European Union to the Philippines likewise said that their “thoughts are with the affected population by the [earthquake] notably in the Abra area.”

As of the afternoon of July 27, the earthquake death toll climbed to four, according to the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

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