At least 26 people have been killed and nearly 150 injured after a strong earthquake struck off the central Philippine island of Cebu late Tuesday, toppling buildings, cutting power, and sending terrified residents rushing into the streets.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported the magnitude 6.9 quake hit at 9:59 pm local time (13:59 GMT) near the northern tip of Cebu Island, close to Bogo City, which has a population of about 90,000.
The initial tremor was followed by at least four aftershocks above magnitude 5, intensifying fears in the region.
By early Wednesday, the Philippines’ National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council confirmed 26 fatalities and 147 injuries, while noting that 22 buildings were damaged.
Local officials declared a “state of calamity” in parts of Cebu to speed up rescue and relief operations.
Damage to buildings, power outages
The earthquake caused widespread damage, including the collapse of a more than 100-year-old church. Local television footage showed a Cebu bridge swaying violently, forcing motorcycle riders to stop and cling to railings.
Power outages hit several towns, leaving residents in darkness amid heavy rains. The provincial government appealed on social media for medical volunteers to assist overwhelmed hospitals.
“We are still assessing the damage, but it could be worse than we think,” Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro said in a video message, adding she had requested aid from the president’s office.
Appeals for food, water, and rescue aid
San Remigio, one of the hardest-hit towns, reported seven deaths, including personnel from the Bureau of Fire Protection and three coastguard officers. Police said the victims were killed when a sports complex collapsed during a basketball game.
In Bogo City, at least 13 people, including four minors, were confirmed dead, while the towns of Medellin and Tabuelan each reported two fatalities.
San Remigio’s vice mayor, Alfie Reynes, urgently appealed for food, water, and heavy equipment to assist rescue teams.
“It is raining heavily and there is no electricity, so we really need help, especially in the northern part, because there’s a scarcity of water after supply lines were damaged by the earthquake,” Reynes told local radio.
Authorities warn of possible sea disturbances
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) warned residents in Cebu, Leyte, and Biliran provinces to stay away from coastal areas due to a “minor sea level disturbance.”
Authorities urged vigilance for unusual waves, though no major tsunami threat was declared.
The Philippines, located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, is one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries, with frequent volcanic eruptions and near-daily earthquakes.
In July 2022, a magnitude 7 quake in northern Luzon killed at least five people and injured 60.
