A catastrophic magnitude 6.9 earthquake violently shook the central Philippines on Tuesday night, leading to widespread destruction, numerous casualties, and a frantic race against time for rescue operations. Official reports confirm at least 20 fatalities and over three dozen injured, with communities grappling with collapsed structures and severed transportation routes.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology announced that the powerful magnitude 6.9 earthquake shook the province of Cebu, home to 3.2 million people, just before 10 p.m. local time. The initial shock was quickly followed by a series of significant aftershocks, exacerbating the damage and fear among residents.
Ainjeliz de la Torre-Orong, a spokesperson for Cebu, detailed the immediate aftermath, stating that four buildings completely collapsed, three government structures sustained severe damage, and six bridges along with one critical road were rendered impassable. In response, Cebu’s Governor Pam Baricuatro has swiftly initiated relief operations, prioritizing the delivery of essential supplies like water and medicine, while dispatching heavy equipment to clear debris and assist in ongoing rescue efforts. Neighboring South Cotabato province has also pledged support, preparing to send relief supplies and a medical team to assist Cebu.
Among the confirmed deaths, five were reported in the town of San Remigio. Captain Jan Ace Elcid Layug, the local police chief, tragically confirmed that four victims were playing basketball when their sports complex caved in, according to Filipino news outlet ABS-CBN. These included a member of the Bureau of Fire Protection and three from the Philippine Coast Guard. A fifth victim in San Remigio was a child tragically trapped beneath rubble. In light of the extensive damage and disruption, San Remigio officials announced on Facebook that they are moving to declare a “state of calamity” to unlock crucial resources for their affected population.
An interactive map embedded within the original report illustrated the shake intensity across the affected region, indicating areas experiencing a shake intensity of 4 or greater, which the U.S. Geological Survey defines as “light.” It noted that the earthquake’s effects might have been felt beyond the specifically mapped zones.
In response to the unfolding crisis, authorities in Cebu have ordered the closure of all schools and government buildings for Wednesday, allowing for comprehensive damage assessments. The Archdiocese of Cebu has also issued a directive for churches, many of which were gravely affected, to remain closed for Masses until safety inspections are completed. Images circulated on social media, including the Facebook page of the Archdiocesan Shrine of Santa Rosa de Lima in Cebu, show heartbreaking scenes of collapsed stone structures. Local news outlets have also showcased devastating photos of damaged fast-food restaurants and residential apartment blocks.
Initially, a warning of a “minor sea-level disturbance” was issued, urging coastal residents to move to higher ground. However, this alert was later canceled as the immediate danger appeared to pass, allowing a slight reprieve amid the chaos.
The Philippines is no stranger to seismic activity, situated on the volatile “Ring of Fire”—a horseshoe-shaped zone around the Pacific Ocean known for its intense tectonic plate movement. This region accounts for roughly 90% of the world’s earthquakes. Recent history underscores this vulnerability: November 2023 saw a magnitude 6.7 earthquake in the southern Philippines, claiming at least seven lives and injuring hundreds. Prior to that, a magnitude 7 quake in July 2023 killed at least four people in the northern parts of the archipelago. The year 2019 was particularly devastating, with several deadly earthquakes, including another magnitude 6.9 tremor that resulted in at least two deaths across the southern Philippines.
Aie Balagtas See contributed to this report.