Tragedy struck the central Philippines on Tuesday night as a powerful earthquake caused buildings to crumble, leading to the confirmed deaths of at least 20 individuals and leaving over three dozen injured, according to government officials.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology documented the 6.9 magnitude seismic event, which violently shook Cebu province – home to 3.2 million residents – just before 10 p.m. local time. The initial tremor was quickly succeeded by numerous smaller aftershocks.
Ainjeliz de la Torre-Orong, a spokesperson for Cebu, confirmed via email that the death toll had reached at least 20, with 37 others sustaining injuries. The earthquake also resulted in the collapse of four buildings, damage to three government structures, and rendered six bridges and one road impassable.
In response to the crisis, Cebu Governor Pam Baricuatro has swiftly mobilized resources, ordering the immediate deployment of essential relief supplies, such as water and medicine, to affected communities. Additionally, equipment has been dispatched to clear blocked roads and bolster ongoing rescue efforts.
Neighboring South Cotabato province has also pledged support, with plans to send further relief provisions and a dedicated medical team to assist Cebu.
Captain Jan Ace Elcid Layug, the officer in charge of San Remigio police, reported that five fatalities occurred in their town, as detailed by Filipino news outlet ABS-CBN.
Among the deceased, four were tragically caught in the collapse of a sports complex while playing basketball. These included one member of the Bureau of Fire Protection and three members of the Philippine Coast Guard. The fifth victim in San Remigio was identified as a child, tragically found trapped under debris elsewhere.
San Remigio officials announced on Facebook their intention to declare a ‘state of calamity,’ citing the ‘widespread damage and severe disruption to the lives of our constituents.’ This crucial declaration will enable them to efficiently mobilize necessary resources for all those impacted by the earthquake.
Authorities in Cebu have ordered the closure of all schools and government buildings for Wednesday, facilitating comprehensive inspections for structural damage.
The Archdiocese of Cebu reported that numerous churches suffered “gravely affected” and advised against holding Masses until thorough inspections are completed. Photographs shared on the Facebook page of the Archdiocesan Shrine of Santa Rosa de Lima in Cebu clearly depicted sections of the stone edifice reduced to rubble.
Local news coverage also featured images of severely damaged fast-food establishments and residential apartment buildings.
Following the earthquake, authorities initially issued a warning about a “minor sea-level disturbance,” advising residents to keep away from coastal areas. This warning was subsequently rescinded as the immediate danger subsided.
The Philippines, an archipelago of over 7,000 islands, is prone to earthquakes due to its location on the volatile ‘Ring of Fire,’ where tectonic plates frequently collide. This region has a history of significant seismic activity; for instance, a 6.7 magnitude earthquake in November 2023 struck the southern Philippines, causing at least seven fatalities and hundreds of injuries.
Prior notable events include a magnitude 7 quake in July 2023 that claimed at least four lives in the northern Philippines. Furthermore, 2019 saw multiple destructive earthquakes in the southern Philippines, with one powerful 6.9 magnitude tremor causing at least two deaths.
Additional reporting by Aie Balagtas See.