Rescue operations were underway in the Philippines as teams frantically searched for survivors amidst mud and debris following the most fatal earthquake in over ten years, which has claimed the lives of a minimum of 69 individuals. The 6.9-magnitude quake, which originated in the waters near the central holiday destination of Cebu on Tuesday night, has left authorities concerned that the final death toll may rise even further.
The aftermath of the earthquake saw the collapse of numerous buildings, including a historic church over a century old. Extensive damage was reported to shops, residences, and bridges along the island’s northern coastline, accompanied by widespread power outages.
A series of aftershocks shook the region as emergency teams rushed to aid hundreds of evacuees by establishing mobile kitchens and providing temporary power solutions before nightfall. In the city of Bogo, located approximately 18 km from the quake’s epicenter and severely impacted by the disaster, heartbreaking scenes unfolded as bodies shrouded in black sheets were laid out side by side outside a local hospital. A devastated individual was seen grieving over the loss of a loved one, illustrating the emotional toll of the tragedy.
Efforts to locate survivors trapped under a deadly landslide in the city continued, with civil defense teams tirelessly working to rescue those in need. Despite initial rescue operations, the possibility of additional casualties remains high, as confirmed by Ainjeliz Orong, the provincial information officer for Cebu.
This seismic event marks the deadliest earthquake in the nation since 2013 when a 7.2-magnitude quake struck the nearby island of Bohol, claiming the lives of 222 people.