A powerful magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck the central Philippines late Monday night, claiming at least 69 lives and leaving widespread devastation across Cebu Province and nearby areas.
The quake, which hit near Bogo City, shook communities still reeling from the effects of recent storms. According to Philippine authorities, dozens of people remain injured while rescue teams continue searching through the rubble of collapsed homes and public buildings.
Tsunami warnings were briefly issued following the tremor but were later lifted by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). Despite that, coastal residents were urged to remain cautious due to possible aftershocks.
Survivors described the earthquake as one of the strongest they have ever experienced.
Emergency shelters have been set up, while hospitals struggle to handle the influx of injured victims. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed the military and disaster agencies to speed up relief operations and provide aid to affected families.
The Philippines sits on the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, a seismically active zone where earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur frequently. The country has a long history of deadly quakes, including the 2013 Bohol earthquake that killed more than 200 people.
As of Tuesday morning, rescue operations continue, with officials warning that the death toll may rise as more areas become accessible.
