Post by : Rameen Ariff

A powerful 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck the central Philippines on Tuesday night, killing at least 19 people and destroying several buildings in Cebu province. Authorities fear the death toll could rise as rescue teams continue searching for survivors trapped under collapsed structures.

The US Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the shallow earthquake hit at 9:50 pm local time near Bogo City, home to about 90,000 people. The tremors were so strong that homes, schools, and commercial buildings were damaged across the northern part of Cebu island.

According to local rescuers, 13 people were killed in Bogo, including children and families caught in landslides. In the nearby town of San Remigio, five deaths were confirmed, with victims crushed when the roof of a sports center collapsed during a basketball game. Another death was reported in Tabuelan.

Rescue operations went on through the night despite darkness and hundreds of aftershocks. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) confirmed more than 379 aftershocks had been recorded since the quake.

The Cebu provincial government called for medical volunteers and warned residents to stay alert, avoid damaged buildings, and prepare for more aftershocks. Governor Pamela Baricuatro urged people to remain calm and move to open areas for safety.

Power lines across Cebu and nearby islands were damaged, leading to widespread blackouts. The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines said electricity was gradually restored after midnight.

Witnesses described terrifying scenes. Residents reported cracked walls, falling debris, and churches shaking violently. “It felt like everything would fall apart. People ran out of their homes in panic,” one resident said.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center confirmed there was no tsunami threat from the earthquake.

The Philippines sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. While minor tremors are common, strong and destructive quakes strike without warning, making them difficult to predict.

Rescue workers continue to search through collapsed structures in Bogo and San Remigio, as families wait anxiously for news of missing loved ones.

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