Death Toll Rises to 69 After Powerful Earthquake Hits Cebu, Philippines

At least 69 people have been killed and nearly 150 injured after a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck off the coast of Cebu in the central Philippines late Tuesday night, officials confirmed on Wednesday.

The quake, recorded at 9:59 p.m. local time (13:59 GMT) near the northern tip of Cebu Island close to Bogo City, was followed by four strong aftershocks measuring above magnitude 5. The death toll sharply increased from the 26 initially reported by disaster officials.

Local authorities have declared a state of calamity in parts of Cebu as collapsed buildings, power outages, and widespread damage hampered rescue efforts. Television footage showed a Cebu bridge swaying violently, forcing motorcycle riders to cling to railings.

Governor Pamela Baricuatro said medical teams and rescue workers were being deployed, adding that the situation “could be worse than we think.” She appealed for medicine, food, and additional aid, noting that homes, a hospital, and public buildings had been damaged.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology also warned residents in Cebu, Leyte, and Biliran provinces to avoid coastal areas due to a minor sea level disturbance and the risk of unusual waves.

Hard-hit areas reported multiple casualties, including 13 deaths in Bogo City and seven in San Remigio, where a sports complex collapsed during a basketball game, killing police, fire personnel, and coastguard members. Other deaths were confirmed in Medellin and Tabuelan.

The quake also damaged the Archdiocesan Shrine of Santa Rosa de Lima in Daanbantayan, while water shortages and heavy rain complicated relief operations. Local officials have appealed for food, water, and heavy equipment to aid rescue teams.

The Philippines, located on the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire, regularly experiences earthquakes. In July 2022, a magnitude 7 quake killed at least five people, while another strong quake in December 2023 forced thousands to evacuate.