A devastating earthquake struck an island in the Philippines, claiming the lives of at least 69 people and injuring around 150 others, with the death toll expected to rise. The powerful tremor, which registered 6.9 on the Richter scale, hit on Tuesday evening off the northern coast of Cebu province.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the earthquake occurred at 9:59 p.m. local time, near the northern tip of Cebu Island, close to the city of Bogo, which has a population of about 90,000. It was followed by four aftershocks measuring five or more.
The earthquake caused power outages and the collapse of several buildings, with television footage showing bridges shaking violently, prompting motorcycle riders to stop and cling to safety barriers.
Local authorities declared a state of emergency in parts of Cebu province, as rescue teams from the military, police, and civilian volunteers, supported by vehicles and trained dog units, rushed to search for survivors beneath the rubble. Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV, deputy director of the Civil Defense Office, stated that “rescue teams are still working in the golden hour to save as many lives as possible.”
Pamela Baricuatro, governor of Cebu province, confirmed that the extent of the damage “could be worse than we think,” noting that several homes and hospitals were affected. Medical emergency teams have already started heading to the disaster-stricken areas to treat the injured. She added in a radio statement: “We urgently need doctors, medicines, and food supplies.”
Philippine authorities, backed by the presidency, continue to assess the situation as fears grow that the toll of casualties and damages may escalate in the coming hours amid ongoing search and rescue operations.
