AT LEAST 61 schools were damaged after a magnitude 7 earthquake struck Northern Luzon early Wednesday, the Office of Civil Defense said.

In a press briefing, OCD Assistant Secretary Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV said the schools are in Regions 1, 2, 3 and Cordillera Administrative Region.

The Department of Education said that its regional offices continue to monitor the situation in quake-affected areas.

“We are monitoring the situation on the part of DepEd. Meron tayong initial reports ng cracks ng schools sa Abra, and probably also in Vigan, but I cannot give you a statement unless may confirmation na from our field offices and regional offices,” DepEf spokesperson Atty. Michael Poa said.

There were no reported casualties among learners, teachers or DepEd staff, he said.

The earthquake hit Tayum, Abra at 8:43 a.m., causing landslides and damaging structures in many parts of Northern Luzon.

The strong earthquake left at least five persons dead and dozens injured.