The Basilica was badly damaged during the catastrophic 7.7-magnitude Luzon earthquake of July 16, 1990, which struck at 4.26 p.m. badly annihilating Agoo, La Union and other coastal areas. The Basilica was again repaired and renovated. The July 16, 1990's epicenter was about southeast of Cabanatuan City and killed more than 1,600 people, devastating La Union, Baguio City and Dagupan City.