Powerful Earthquake in Central Philippines Kills Dozens

A disaster official reported that the death toll from a 6.9-magnitude earthquake in central Philippines rose to 69 on Wednesday. Authorities have launched search and rescue operations for survivors following one of the strongest earthquakes to hit the country in over a decade.

The quake struck off the coast of Cebu Island late Tuesday night, disrupting power supplies and damaging buildings. The exact number of missing people remains unclear.

Jan Abapo of the Regional Civil Defense Office, citing provincial disaster agency data, said that as of early Wednesday, 69 deaths had been reported, pending confirmation.

Earlier, the national disaster agency had estimated the death toll could reach 60, with 150 people injured.

Civil defense officer Raffi Alejandro told reporters that the hospital in Bogo City, near the earthquake’s epicenter, was “heavily affected.”

The Philippine Coast Guard dispatched a ship carrying dozens of doctors, nurses, and medical personnel to Bogo, while President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assured survivors of prompt assistance, and the Cabinet Secretary oversaw relief operations.

After distributing aid last week in Masbate, an island still recovering from the effects of Super Typhoon Ragasa, Marcos told reporters, “We are assessing the damage and evaluating the needs.”

Mariano Martinez, mayor of San Remigio municipality near Bogo, reported 11 deaths in his area, including children under 12, warning that the toll could rise.

“Our immediate priority is to locate the casualties and identify those in need of assistance,” he told DZMM radio, adding that many homes were damaged.

Ring of Fire

Seismological agencies reported the earthquake at a depth of approximately 10 km (6.2 miles) with multiple aftershocks, the strongest registering a magnitude of 6. No tsunami warning was issued.

The Philippines sits on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a region prone to earthquakes and volcanic activity. Two major earthquakes struck the country in January, though no casualties were reported. In 2023, an offshore 6.7-magnitude quake killed eight people.

Alfi Renz, vice mayor of San Remigio, said some of the victims were playing basketball in a sports complex when part of the building collapsed.

He appealed for food, water, and heavy equipment to support displaced residents and search-and-rescue teams. “Heavy rains and power outages are making conditions worse, especially in the northern areas where damaged supply lines have caused water shortages,” Renz said.

Local media shared videos of people fleeing their homes as the ground shook and buildings collapsed, including a church over 100 years old.

Cebu, one of the Philippines’ most popular tourist destinations, is home to 3.4 million people. The extent of damage in other parts of the island remains unclear.

Mactan-Cebu International Airport, the country’s second busiest gateway, continued operations.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported around 800 tremors and warned that aftershocks could continue in the coming days, though they are expected to gradually decrease in intensity. The quake was felt as far south as Zamboanga del Norte, about 330 km (205 miles) away.

In Pilar City, resident Archel Coraza said most of his family were asleep when the quake struck. “I woke them up, and we all ran outside to the street,” he told DZMM.