1990 Luzon Earthquake

The late afternoon in Luzon was shattered by a 7.8 earthquake on Monday, July 16, 1990. Luzon, known for its dense population reported distinctly high deaths—numbering around 1,621 people. The 1990 Luzon earthquake is now known as one of the deadliest and consequently most expensive natural disasters to ever hit the Philippines.

About 20,000 square kilometers was damaged by this earthquake stretching from northwest of Manilla through Central Luzon and into the mountains of the Cordillera Administrative Region.

One of the hardest hit places was Baguio City. A popular tourist destination in the Philippines, many private and public building were damaged or destroyed. Many of these building were hotels. The most notable was the five-star Hyatt Hotel. A twelve story section above the lobby area collapsed, killing about fifty people.

Many of the people affected by the earthquakes, whether the Philippines was the place they were visiting or even worse, their homes were destroyed, set up tent in public parks, like Burnham Park, or in the streets. A major route from Manila is Baguio city, Kennon Road, was shut down by all the people living there.



Because of the placement of the city, it was impossible to send aid for the first forty eight hours. Water, communication, and electric lines were destroyed. Only by helicopter was aid able to get to the city, because it was surrounded by vicious landslides. The airport was demolished.

Hospitals crumbled literally and figuratively. The building could not be used and there were thousands of hurt people waiting to for medical attention. Hospitals set up tents. Baguio City became a tent city.

In the midst of this disaster, there were some miracles. Out of the Hyatt Terrace Hotel, two people came out alive days after the quake. Luisa Mallorca and Arnel Calabia were extricated from the rubble 11 days after the quake, while hotel cook Pedrito Dy was recovered alive 14 days following the earthquake. All three survived in part by drinking their own urine and in Dy's case, rainwater. Dy's 14-day ordeal was cited as a world record for entombment underneath rubble.

Because Baguio is home to a large mining company and a military academy, experienced miners and other disciplined volunteers played a crucial role in early rescue efforts. Rescue teams arriving from Manila and elsewhere in Luzon were able to decrease mortality from major injuries. Surgeons, anesthesiologists, and specialized equipment and supplies were brought to the area, and victims were promptly treated. Patients requiring specialized care (e.g., hemodialysis) not available in the disaster area were airlifted to tertiary hospitals in metropolitan Manila.

When we think of the recent Earthquake Ondoy, it is difficult to not remember what happened nineteen years ago.


-GY