Late Tuesday night, a formidable earthquake rattled the heart of the Philippines, triggering the collapse of structures and tragically killing a minimum of 20 individuals, with dozens more sustaining injuries, according to a government spokesperson.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology confirmed the seismic event, a 6.9-magnitude quake that struck the heavily populated province of Cebu, home to 3.2 million residents, shortly before 10 p.m. local time. The initial shock was succeeded by a series of ongoing aftershocks.
Ainjeliz de la Torre-Orong, a Cebu spokeswoman, provided an update via email, confirming at least 20 fatalities and 37 injuries. She detailed extensive damage, including four collapsed buildings, three damaged government structures, and six bridges and one road rendered impassable.
Cebu’s Governor, Pam Baricuatro, promptly ordered the delivery of vital relief supplies like water and medicine to the affected population. Additionally, equipment was dispatched to clear debris-laden roads and bolster ongoing rescue efforts.
Neighboring South Cotabato province also pledged support, preparing to send its own relief supplies and a dedicated medical team to assist Cebu.
Captain Jan Ace Elcid Layug, chief of San Remigio police, reported to Filipino news outlet ABS-CBN that five of the confirmed deaths occurred in his town.
Among the deceased, four were tragically caught in the collapse of a sports complex while playing basketball; one was a member of the Bureau of Fire Protection, and the other three belonged to the Philippine Coast Guard. The fifth casualty in San Remigio was a child found trapped beneath debris elsewhere in the town.
In response to the extensive damage and disruption, San Remigio officials announced via Facebook their intention to declare a “state of calamity,” a crucial step to mobilize necessary resources for the earthquake-stricken community.
Interactive Map: Shake Intensity
An interactive map illustrating the shake intensity from the 6.9-magnitude earthquake shows areas in the Visayan Sea and surrounding regions that experienced ‘light’ to ‘severe’ shaking (intensity 4 or greater on the U.S.G.S. scale). All times on the map are Philippine time. Map by William B. Davis and John Keefe.
To facilitate thorough damage assessments, all schools and government facilities in Cebu were ordered closed for Wednesday.
The Archdiocese of Cebu issued a directive stating that churches, ‘gravely affected’ by the quake, must remain closed for Masses until comprehensive inspections are completed. Images shared on the Facebook page of the Archdiocesan Shrine of Santa Rosa de Lima starkly revealed sections of its stone edifice reduced to rubble.
Local news coverage further depicted the widespread destruction, with photographs showcasing damaged fast-food establishments and apartment buildings.
Initially, authorities issued a cautionary warning about a ‘minor sea-level disturbance,’ advising residents to distance themselves from coastal areas. However, this alert was subsequently lifted once the immediate danger subsided.
Situated within the Pacific’s volatile ‘Ring of Fire,’ the Philippines, an archipelago of over 7,000 islands, frequently experiences earthquakes. This latest event follows a 6.7-magnitude quake in November 2023 that devastated the southern regions, claiming at least seven lives and leaving hundreds injured.
Historical seismic activity includes a 7-magnitude quake in July 2023 that killed at least four in the northern Philippines. Furthermore, 2019 saw multiple deadly earthquakes strike the southern Philippines, most notably a 6.9-magnitude tremor that resulted in at least two fatalities.
Additional reporting was provided by Aie Balagtas See.