BY: VANESSA BUGTONG

Forty-nine individuals in Baguio City were taken to various hospitals after feeling dizzy during the magnitude 4.4 earthquake that struck Pugo, La Union, on Wednesday morning, October 9.

The tremor, which occurred past 10 a.m., was felt across the city, prompting residents and students to rush out of their homes and classrooms.

At Baguio City National High School, several students and teachers were brought to the hospital after feeling weak and dizzy, while others who evacuated to Burnham Park were also treated by police responders.

Engineer Charles Carame, head of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), said most patients suffered from exhaustion rather than physical injuries.

“Based on the assessment, most of them felt dizzy due to exhaustion,” he explained.

The CDRRMO also reported that at least 15 buildings in the city sustained minor cracks, though none were considered structurally alarming.

“These cracks are not critical. What’s concerning is when beams or posts are affected, but so far, they’re stable,” Carame said.

Schools like Crystal Cave Integrated School were among those that effectively implemented earthquake safety drills.

“The students quickly evacuated, wore their safety helmets, and brought their go bags. There were minor cracks, but everyone is safe,” said Administrative Officer II Frederick Arciaga.

Carame commended the preparedness of schools but observed that many households still lack awareness of what to do during an earthquake.

“Students already know what to do, but those at home still need to learn proper response,” he said.

He reminded residents to always follow safety protocols.

“Remember the basic rule: duck, cover, and hold, especially when the shaking is strong,” Carame emphasized.

No aftershocks were recorded following the quake.