Philippines Earthquake: At Least 69 Dead, Rescue Teams Race to Find Survivors

Rescue teams in the Philippines worked through mud and debris on Wednesday, searching for survivors after a 6.9-magnitude earthquake—the country’s deadliest in over a decade—killed at least 69 people and left hospitals struggling with the injured. Officials warned that the death toll could rise further.

The powerful quake struck late Tuesday night off the coast of Cebu, a central holiday island. Buildings collapsed, including a century-old church, while shops, homes, and bridges along the northern coastline were damaged. Power outages spread across the region, and aftershocks continued into Wednesday, forcing authorities to set up mobile kitchens and scramble for emergency electricity supplies.

In the city of Bogo, near the epicenter, bodies covered in black sheets were lined up outside a hospital as families grieved. Landslides buried homes, killing at least 14 people, while search crews continued digging for signs of life. “I wish I could say there are no more casualties, but the toll may still rise,” said Angeliz Orong, Cebu’s provincial information officer.

Survivors recounted terrifying moments. Security guard Mark Ochia said part of the fast-food restaurant where he worked collapsed but staff narrowly escaped. Tricycle driver Sonny Cues said his house shook violently: “We thought we would die today, but we’re thankful we survived. I thank God we’re safe.”

Officials confirmed at least 186 people injured and appealed for medical volunteers as hospitals filled. Heavy rain and power shortages have hampered rescue operations. The quake’s depth was measured at 10 km (6.2 miles), with several strong aftershocks, including one of magnitude 6. No tsunami threat was issued.

Videos shared on local media showed residents running from swaying buildings and large cracks splitting roads on Cebu Island, home to 3.4 million people. The Coast Guard deployed a vessel carrying doctors, nurses, and medical supplies to Bogo.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. promised swift relief: “We are assessing the damage and identifying immediate needs.” Local officials reported that children were among the victims, while others died when a basketball court partially collapsed. Authorities urged tourists in Cebu—one of the country’s most visited destinations—to remain cautious. Cebu International Airport, the nation’s second busiest, remains operational.

The quake is the most destructive since 2013, when a 7.2-magnitude tremor hit nearby Bohol, killing 222 people. The Philippines, located on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” experiences more than 800 earthquakes annually.