On this day in 1990, Luzon was rocked by a devastating magnitude 7.8 earthquake, known as The Great Luzon Earthquake of 1990. Centered near Rizal in the province of Nueva Ecija, widespread destruction was caused in cities like Baguio and Dagupan, claiming over 1,600 lives and leaving thousands injured. The disaster stimulated a massive international and national relief effort, rebuilding important infrastructures and prompting reforms in building codes and disaster preparedness nationwide.
This seismic event remains an important reminder of the Philippines’ vulnerability to earthquakes and the resilience shown in its aftermath. It showcased Filipino resilience, sparking solidarity and reconstruction efforts that influenced national policies and urban planning to mitigate future seismic risks.
Source:
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/great-luzon-earthquake-1990-assessment-gerry-bongon