A strong offshore earthquake measuring 6.9 struck Cebu, Philippines, late Tuesday. The tremor caused buildings to collapse, resulting in at least 31 deaths and injuring many more. Residents rushed from their homes into the dark as the shaking knocked out power.
The quake’s epicenter was near Bogo, a coastal city with around 90,000 residents. As of now, the number of fatalities in Bogo is likely to rise, according to disaster officer Rex Ygot. Emergency workers faced challenges reaching the worst-hit areas due to landslides. “It’s hard to get around because of hazards,” said fellow officer Glenn Ursal. Some survivors have been taken to hospitals.
In Medellin town, close to Bogo, most of the 12 victims died when ceilings and walls fell on them, sometimes while they were asleep, reported town official Gemma Villamor. Five more people, including a child, were killed in San Remigio, where collapsing walls caught them off-guard during a basketball game.
Vice Mayor Alfie Reynes of San Remigio has made appeals for food and water. The local water system was damaged during the quake. In addition to homes, vital structures like fire stations and roads also suffered damages, causing deep cracks to form.
A firefighter, Rey Cañete, shared his experience: “We rushed out of the barracks when the ground shook but stumbled because of the intensity.” His team provided first aid to locals injured by falling debris.
After the earthquake, anxious residents gathered in open areas, reluctant to return home. The damage assessment is ongoing, with Governor Pamela Baricuatro warning that the situation might be worse than initially feared. She urged residents to stay alert as rescue efforts ramp up.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology briefly issued a tsunami warning, advising people to stay away from coastlines. Fortunately, the warning was soon lifted, with no unusual waves observed.
The Philippines, situated on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” frequently faces the threat of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. It also endures about 20 typhoons each year, making it one of the world’s most disaster-prone nations. As recent reports reveal, the region is still recovering from a storm that preceded the earthquake, which resulted in at least 27 fatalities and significant damage.
As communities begin to recover, the resilience of the people in Cebu will be tested once again, highlighting their strength in the face of adversity.
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Philippines, Earthquake
