Post by : Rameen Ariff

The death toll from a 6.9 magnitude earthquake in the central Philippines has risen to 60, while more than 100 people are injured, authorities reported. The quake struck late Tuesday near Bogo City, Cebu, sending hospitals and emergency services into chaos.

Rescue teams struggled to care for injured residents, with many receiving treatment under blue tents outside the Cebu Provincial Hospital due to overcrowding. Hospitals were overwhelmed as aftershocks continued to shake the region throughout the night.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council earlier reported 147 injuries and damage to 22 buildings across the central islands. Emergency workers warned that more casualties could emerge as search and recovery operations continue.

Residents described dramatic scenes as buildings swayed and debris fell. On Bantayan Island, the belfry of an old Catholic church collapsed, while parts of shopping malls and homes were heavily damaged. Roads in some towns, such as Tabogon, cracked under the quake’s force.

Officials urged people to stay alert and avoid damaged structures, warning that aftershocks could continue for several days. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology confirmed the region experienced 379 aftershocks after the main tremor.

Power outages briefly affected Cebu and nearby islands due to the quake damaging electricity lines, but power was quickly restored. The Cebu provincial government called for medical volunteers to assist in ongoing rescue efforts.

The US Geological Survey initially reported a magnitude of 7.0 but later revised it to 6.9. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said there is no tsunami threat.

The Philippines, located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, experiences frequent earthquakes, though most are minor. Strong and destructive quakes like this are unpredictable, emphasizing the need for preparedness and resilient infrastructure.

Rescue teams continue to search for survivors amid the rubble as families anxiously await news of missing loved ones.

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