Philippines struck by 6.9 magnitude earthquake; dozens killed, many injured
MANILA, (Reuters/AP) — A powerful 6.9 magnitude earthquake rattled central Philippines late Tuesday night, leaving at least 69 people dead and over 140 injured, disaster officials said. The quake, with an epicenter off the coast of Cebu province near Bogo City, occurred at a shallow depth, intensifying its destructive force. In the hardest hit areas…
MANILA, (Reuters/AP) — A powerful 6.9 magnitude earthquake rattled central Philippines late Tuesday night, leaving at least 69 people dead and over 140 injured, disaster officials said.
The quake, with an epicenter off the coast of Cebu province near Bogo City, occurred at a shallow depth, intensifying its destructive force.
In the hardest hit areas — Bogo, San Remigio, Medellin, and surrounding towns — buildings collapsed, roads cracked, and emergency services were overwhelmed by the scale of the destruction.
Rescue teams, aided by backhoes and sniffer dogs, raced against time to reach survivors trapped under rubble.
Authorities declared parts of Cebu a “state of calamity” to mobilize relief and resources more swiftly.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed condolences and pledged government assistance to affected communities.
With aftershocks continuing and infrastructure damaged, the death toll may rise further as daylight allows for deeper search and assessment.
