6.9-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Central Philippines, Killing 19 and Damaging Infrastructure

A strong 6.9-magnitude earthquake rattled Cebu and surrounding areas in the central Philippines late Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of at least 19 people and causing widespread destruction, according to local authorities.

The earthquake struck at approximately 9:50 p.m. near the northern city of Bogo, which has a population of around 90,000, as reported by the US Geological Survey (USGS). The tremor was shallow, intensifying its impact on the affected communities.

In Bogo, rescuers confirmed that nine adults and four children lost their lives, with three fatalities caused by landslides burying homes, officials disclosed. San Remigio municipality reported five deaths, including four people trapped under the collapsed roof of a sports center where a basketball tournament was underway; among them were three coastguard members. One additional fatality was recorded in Tabuelan.

Provincial rescue official Wilson Ramos warned of potentially more victims trapped under debris, emphasizing ongoing rescue missions in Bogo and San Remigio. The search was hindered through the night by darkness and continuous aftershocks, with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology recording 379 aftershocks following the main quake.

Infrastructure damage was widespread. Roads in several villages suffered damage, and the earthquake disrupted power supply across Cebu and neighboring islands. The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines announced that power was restored shortly after midnight in most affected areas.

Local residents recounted their experiences amid the tremors. Joey Leeguid, a firefighter in San Fernando town, recalled the intensity of the shaking causing physical disorientation but affirmed his team remained safe. Meanwhile, in the nearby resort town of Bantayan, residents described damaged buildings. Martham Pacilan witnessed chunks of rock falling from a damaged church but reported no injuries. Agnes Merza shared that her home’s kitchen tiles cracked and neighbors evacuated to safety.

Provincial officials also reported that a commercial building and a school collapsed in Bantayan, and a fast-food outlet in Bogo suffered severe damage.

Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro addressed the public through a live video plea, urging caution, advising residents to relocate to open spaces, avoid unstable structures, and remain vigilant for further tremors.

The USGS initially measured the earthquake at magnitude 7.0 before revising it to 6.9, while the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center confirmed no tsunami threat.

The Philippines, situated along the Pacific "Ring of Fire," experiences frequent seismic activity, most of which are mild and unnoticed. However, deadly and destructive quakes can occur unpredictably, with no current technology capable of forecasting their exact timing or location.