PAMPANGA — The municipality of Porac has been placed under a state of calamity after a magnitude 6.1 quake caused destruction in the town.

Porac Mayor Condralito Dela Cruz said members of the local council agreed to declare a state of calamity to enable the local government to utilize its calamity fund for assistance to affected residents.

“Ito ‘yung pinakamalakas na lindol na nakita namin, parang umaalon ‘yung lupa. Hindi biro," Dela Cruz said, adding that many buildings, roads, and bridges were destroyed.

Mayor Condralito Dela Cruz has declared a state of calamity in Porac, Pampanga, one of the worst-hit areas during the powerful quake yesterday. #LuzonQuake pic.twitter.com/g5V54eXfe9

— Michael Joe Delizo (@michael_delizo) April 22, 2019

A strong magnitude 6.1 tectonic earthquake struck near Castillejos, Zambales on Monday afternoon, rocking a large part of Luzon.

Five people died after a 4-story building in Barangay Cangatba was destroyed.

In a nearby street, another commercial building saw its walls and windows damaged. Two employees there sustained minor injuries.

Meanwhile, the heritage Saint Catherine Parish Church was also heavily damaged. Its bell tower collapsed.

“Nakakatakot,” said Robert Eduarte, caretaker of the church. “Kung tatanungin ako, kung gusto kong makita uli, ayoko na.”

PANOORIN: Lubhang napinsala ang Saint Catherine Parish Church sa Porac, Pampanga #LuzonQuake pic.twitter.com/Ib9dLjQdpY

— Michael Joe Delizo (@michael_delizo) April 22, 2019

Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda said she is also set to place the entire province under state of calamity on Tuesday.