Strong 6.9 magnitude earthquake strikes Central Philippines

A strong earthquake—with a magnitude of 6.9—rocked the central Philippines late Tuesday, killing dozens and causing widespread damage across the island of Cebu.

The quake struck just before 10 p.m. local time, its epicenter located offshore, near the city of Bogo, at an unusually shallow depth of about 5 km. This depth intensified the tremors felt on the surface. 

By Wednesday, rescue teams, including military personnel, police, volunteers, and sniffer dogs, were conducting door‑to‑door searches in affected towns, trying to reach survivors hidden beneath collapsed structures. 

Officials confirmed at least 60 people had died, with several more injured. The hospital in Bogo was overwhelmed, and images from the morning showed streets choked with debris. 

In the municipality of San Remigio, tragedy struck when a sports complex collapsed during a basketball game, killing at least 13 individuals, including three coast guard members and a firefighter. Churches and schools also bore the brunt: some partially collapsed, prompting evacuations. In Daanbantayan, the facade of St. Rita Church caved in, and cracks spread through municipal buildings. 

Authorities had initially issued a tsunami warning but later canceled it when no unusual sea activity was observed. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported numerous aftershocks in the hours following the main quake, urging residents to remain alert. 

Nearby, the Taal volcano (closer to Manila) experienced a minor eruption around the same time, sending up a plume of ash—but authorities kept its alert level low. 

Cebu’s governor called for calm and confirmed that the national government would send urgent relief. Many municipalities suspended classes and work schedules until infrastructure could be assessed and declared safe. 

This quake is being described as the deadliest in the Philippines since 2013, when a 7.2‑magnitude tremor hit Bohol.

Source: CNN