At least 26 people were killed and nearly 150 injured after a powerful earthquake struck off the central Philippine island of Cebu late Tuesday night, toppling buildings, cutting off power, and forcing thousands of residents to flee into the streets in panic.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the magnitude 6.9 quake struck at 9:59 pm local time (13:59 GMT) near the northern tip of Cebu Island, close to Bogo City, which is home to about 90,000 people. The initial tremor was followed by at least four aftershocks above magnitude 5, increasing fears across the region.
By early Wednesday, the Philippines’ National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council confirmed 26 deaths and 147 injuries. Officials said 22 buildings were damaged, prompting local authorities to declare a “state of calamity” in parts of Cebu to speed up rescue and relief operations.
Among the damaged structures was a century-old church that collapsed during the quake. Television footage showed a bridge in Cebu swaying violently, forcing motorcyclists to stop and cling to railings for safety. Power outages also hit several towns, leaving communities in darkness as heavy rains complicated rescue work. Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro appealed for urgent national aid, warning that the full scale of destruction may be greater than initial reports suggest.
San Remigio, one of the worst-hit towns, reported seven deaths, including fire department personnel and three coastguard officers who were killed when a sports complex collapsed during a basketball game. In Bogo City, at least 13 people, including four children, were confirmed dead, while the towns of Medellin and Tabuelan each reported two fatalities. San Remigio’s vice mayor Alfie Reynes issued an urgent appeal for food, water, and heavy equipment to assist rescue teams, noting that supply lines had been damaged and access to clean water was becoming scarce.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) warned residents in Cebu, Leyte, and Biliran provinces to avoid coastal areas due to a “minor sea level disturbance.” While no major tsunami threat was declared, authorities urged people to remain alert for unusual sea behavior or strong waves.
The Philippines, located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, experiencing frequent volcanic eruptions and daily earthquakes. The latest disaster recalls the July 2022 earthquake in northern Luzon, which killed at least five people and injured dozens.
Rescue teams continue to search through the rubble as hospitals struggle to handle the influx of injured survivors. With heavy rains and damaged infrastructure adding to the challenge, authorities say more casualties could still be confirmed in the coming hours.
