Magnitude 6.9 Earthquake Devastates Central Philippines; Death Toll Rises, ‘State of Calamity’ Declared in Cebu

A powerful 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck the central Philippines late yesterday, causing widespread destruction and a rapidly rising death toll. As of the latest reports, at least 69 people have been confirmed killed, primarily on the island of Cebu, with rescue and recovery efforts continuing amid hundreds of aftershocks.  

The shallow quake, initially recorded at 7.0 magnitude by the USGS before being revised, hit at 9:59 PM (local time) off the northern coast of Cebu, near the city of Bogo. The entire province of Cebu has been placed under a “State of Calamity” by Governor Pamela Baricuatro to accelerate relief and response operations.  

Casualties and Damage:

• The death toll currently stands at 69 across Cebu province, with officials warning the number remains “fluid” as responders reach more cut-off areas.  
• Bogo City is one of the hardest-hit areas, reporting at least 25 deaths, with a landslide in a mountain village burying shanties.  
• In Medellin town, at least 12 residents were killed by collapsing ceilings and walls.  
• San Remigio reported at least five deaths, including Coast Guard personnel and a firefighter, who were crushed by falling walls near a sports complex.  
• The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has listed 147 injuries and 22 damaged buildings as of early this morning.  
• Major structural damage includes the collapse of a commercial building and a school in Bantayan, a heavily damaged fast food restaurant in Bogo, and significant damage to the historic Archdiocesan Shrine of Santa Rosa de Lima church in Daanbantayan.  
• Roads, bridges, and the local water system in towns like San Remigio were also severely impacted.  

Emergency Response: Overnight recovery efforts were hindered by darkness and ongoing aftershocks, which the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has counted at over 379. Power outages occurred across Cebu and nearby islands but were largely restored after midnight. Governor Baricuatro has appealed for medical volunteers and supplies.  

The region is struggling to recover, having been hit by a deadly tropical storm just days before the earthquake. PHIVOLCS initially issued a tsunami warning for minor sea-level disturbances, which was later lifted.