A powerful 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck the Eastern Visayas and Central Philippines late Tuesday, killing at least 27 people and injuring more than 140, authorities confirmed. The quake struck off the coast of Bogo City in Cebu province, shaking communities across the region and causing widespread destruction.
According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), the tremor occurred at a depth of 36 kilometers, with strong aftershocks continuing to rattle residents through the night. While no tsunami threat was detected, authorities warned of possible secondary hazards, including landslides and building collapses.
The earthquake toppled structures in Cebu and nearby towns, including a century-old church that was reduced to rubble. In San Remigio, local officials declared a state of calamity as rescue workers struggled to clear debris and reach those trapped. Hospitals across the province were forced to evacuate patients after walls cracked and ceilings gave way.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed national agencies to expedite relief and rescue operations, emphasizing the urgent need for food, clean water, and medical supplies. The military and coast guard have been deployed to assist in evacuation and search-and-rescue efforts.
The death toll is expected to rise as emergency crews continue combing through collapsed buildings and damaged homes. Local disaster officials urged residents to remain alert as aftershocks are likely to continue in the coming days.
The Philippines, which lies on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” is prone to frequent seismic activity. This earthquake is one of the most powerful to strike the country in recent years, highlighting once again the vulnerability of densely populated areas to natural disasters.
