Over 40 patients were rushed to Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) following the magnitude 4.4 earthquake that struck the province of La Union on Thursday morning.

In an advisory, the Baguio City public information office reported that the emergency room of BGHMC is "experiencing a great influx of patients after the quake."

"Anyone seeking medical services, first aid, or counselling may go to the Baguio City Health Services Office (BCHSO) located at Teodora Alonzo Street, or to the sixteen District Health Centers within the city," it stated.

The earthquake was recorded at three kilometers northeast of Pugo, La Union at 10:30 am.

The quake that is tectonic in origin has a depth of 23 kilometers.

Intensity IV was felt over the areas of Pugo and Tubao, La Union and in Baguio City while Intensity III in Itogon, Benguet; Villasis, Pangasinan, and in San Fernando, La Union.

Instrumental Intensity V was also recorded in Baguio City, Intensity III in Aringay, La Union; Bontoc, Mountain Province; and in Sison, Pangasinan.

Instrumental Intensity II was also recorded over San Fernando, La Union; Nampicuan, Nueva Ecija; Dagupan City and Intensity I in Lingayen and Urdaneta, Pangasinan.

As of 2 pm, the BGHMC reported that it has received a total of 46 patients following the tremor that was felt across the city and nearby areas.

"In anticipation of a possible surge in patients, the hospital immediately established a temporary Emergency Room (ER) at its garden area to ensure the swift accommodation and management of all incoming cases," the hospital said.

"Other admitted patients and watchers were also safely evacuated to the garden area as part of the hospital’s emergency preparedness protocol," it added.

According to the hospital "majority of the patients referred were students who experienced panic and anxiety attacks during and after the tremor".

"Hospital Emergency Medical Teams were promptly dispatched to assist in the makeshift ER, while the Department of Psychiatry deployed its psychologists and psychiatrists to provide psychological first aid, emotional support, and debriefing," it stated.

As it continues to closely monitor the situation and reminds the public to remain calm and follow safety protocols during aftershocks, the hospital also advises other patients to proceed to their nearest district health centers or to the Baguio City Health Services Office, which are equipped to provide first aid, counseling, and other basic medical services."

The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in Ilocos Region also reported the suspension of classes and work in government schools and offices in some areas of La Union and Pangasinan following the earthquake. Robina Asido/DMS