UAE leaders condole president of Philippines over quake victims

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent a cable of condolences to President Ferdinand Marcos of the Philippines over the victims of the earthquake that struck north Manila, which killed and injured scores of people.

President Sheikh Mohamed wished a speedy recovery to the injured.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, also sent a similar cable to President Marcos.

A general view of damage caused following an earthquake in Vigan. Reuters

Earlier during the day, a powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck the northern Philippine island of Luzon killing at least five people, damaging buildings and sending strong tremors through the capital, Manila.

At least 64 people were injured and 173 buildings damaged, officials said, many in Abra province, just 11km from the epicentre of the quake. Over 200 aftershocks have been recorded in the area, according to the state seismology agency, and 58 landslides were also reported in the aftermath.

"Despite the sad reports about the damages caused by the earthquake, we are assuring quick response to those in need and affected by this calamity," President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said on Facebook.

The quake hit close to the Marcos family's political stronghold.