Strong Earthquake Hits Philippines, Many Dead in Cebu

A powerful 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck the central Philippines on Tuesday night, leaving at least 19 people dead and causing severe damage in Cebu province. The earthquake hit at 9:50 pm local time, when most families were inside their homes. Officials fear the death toll could rise further as rescue workers continue to search for people trapped under collapsed buildings.

Epicenter Near Bogo City

The US Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the shallow quake’s epicenter was near Bogo City, which has a population of about 90,000 people. Tremors were felt strongly across the northern part of Cebu island. Many homes, schools, and commercial buildings were either damaged or completely destroyed. The suddenness of the quake left residents with little time to react.

Fatalities Reported in Several Areas

Local authorities confirmed that most of the victims were in Bogo, where 13 people, including children, died after landslides and falling debris buried homes. In San Remigio, five more deaths occurred when the roof of a sports center collapsed during a basketball game. Another death was reported in the nearby town of Tabuelan. Officials warned that the numbers could rise as more collapsed structures are searched.

Rescue Efforts Through the Night

Rescue operations continued throughout the night despite darkness and hundreds of aftershocks. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported that more than 379 aftershocks had been recorded since the initial earthquake. Rescue teams are using heavy machinery, but in many cases, volunteers are digging with bare hands to reach survivors. Families remain outside damaged houses, waiting for updates on missing loved ones.

Government Calls for Volunteers

The Cebu provincial government quickly mobilized resources, calling for medical volunteers and additional emergency supplies. Governor Pamela Baricuatro urged residents to remain calm and move to safer open areas, away from damaged structures. She also warned people to be prepared for more aftershocks. Relief centers have been set up to shelter families who lost their homes.

Power Outages Across Cebu

The strong tremors damaged power lines across Cebu and nearby islands, leading to widespread blackouts. The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines announced that electricity was gradually restored in several areas after midnight. However, many towns remain without power, making rescue work more challenging. Communication lines were also disrupted, leaving many families unable to contact their relatives.

Witnesses Describe Terrifying Moments

Residents shared their frightening experiences as the ground shook violently. Witnesses reported cracked walls, falling debris, and even churches shaking during the quake. “It felt like everything would collapse. People were screaming and running out of their houses in panic,” said one resident. Others described how children cried in fear as families rushed into the streets in the middle of the night.

Tsunami Threat Ruled Out

Soon after the earthquake, concerns were raised about a possible tsunami. However, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center confirmed there was no tsunami threat from this event. Despite that relief, the strong tremors and continuous aftershocks left residents fearful of returning to their homes.

Philippines on the Ring of Fire

The Philippines is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. While small tremors happen regularly, destructive quakes like this one strike without warning. Experts say that predicting such events is difficult, which is why communities must always stay prepared.

Search for Survivors Continues

Rescue teams are still searching through collapsed structures in Bogo and San Remigio. Families wait anxiously nearby, hoping for good news about missing relatives. Authorities said heavy equipment is being deployed, but access to some areas remains difficult due to blocked roads and landslides. Emergency responders stressed that the next 48 hours are critical in saving lives.

The tragedy has left communities in Cebu province shaken, both physically and emotionally. While rescue work continues, many survivors are struggling with the loss of loved ones, injuries, and destroyed homes. Humanitarian groups and local volunteers are distributing food, water, and blankets to affected families. The earthquake is now being described as one of the most destructive to hit Cebu in recent years.