A devastating magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck off the coast of Cebu in the central Philippines late Tuesday, leaving at least 69 people dead and nearly 150 others injured, officials confirmed Wednesday.
The quake, recorded by the United States Geological Survey at 9:59 p.m. local time (13:59 GMT), hit near Bogo City, a coastal community of about 90,000 residents.
The main tremor was followed by at least four strong aftershocks measuring magnitude 5 or higher, intensifying the destruction and panic across the province.
Rescue Efforts Underway
Authorities say the death toll is expected to rise as search and rescue operations continue. Teams of soldiers, police, civilian volunteers, backhoes, and sniffer dogs are scouring collapsed structures in hopes of finding survivors.
“We are still in the golden hour of our search and rescue,” said Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV, deputy administrator of the Office of Civil Defense. “There are many reports of people pinned under debris or struck by falling objects.”
‘State of Calamity’ Declared
The Cebu provincial government has declared a state of calamity, granting officials emergency powers to release funds and speed up relief efforts.
Governor Pamela Baricuatro, in a video statement, described the situation as dire.
“The damage could be worse than we think,” she said, adding that she has sought immediate aid from the president’s office.
Baricuatro later confirmed that several homes and a hospital sustained serious damage. Emergency medical teams, including trauma specialists, doctors, and nurses, are being deployed to assist the injured.
“We urgently need medicine, food, and additional medical support,” the governor said in a radio interview.
Scenes of Chaos
The powerful tremor caused widespread blackouts and structural damage across Cebu. Local television footage captured bridges swaying violently, forcing motorcycle riders to abandon their bikes and cling to railings.
The provincial government issued a call for medical volunteers on social media to help with the influx of casualties.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) warned residents in Cebu, Leyte, and Biliran provinces to stay away from coastlines due to a “minor sea level disturbance” and the risk of unusual waves.
Aftermath
As the search for survivors continues, officials say the focus is on rescue, medical assistance, and restoring basic services. The tragedy marks one of the deadliest earthquakes to hit the country in recent years.
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