An undersea 6.9-magnitude quake struck a central Philippine province late on Tuesday, causing walls of homes and buildings to collapse. The disaster claimed the lives of at least 69 individuals, left many injured, and forced residents to flee their homes in darkness as power was cut off.
The quake’s epicenter, triggered by a local fault, was approximately 17 kilometers northeast of Bogo, a coastal city in Cebu province with a population of around 90,000 people. Disaster-mitigation officer Rex Ygot reported at least 14 fatalities in Bogo, with the death toll expected to climb.
Efforts to conduct search-and-rescue operations in a mountain village impacted by landslides and boulders were hindered by hazards in the area, according to Glenn Ursal, another disaster-mitigation officer. In San Remigio town, south of Bogo, six individuals, including three coast guard personnel, a firefighter, and a child, lost their lives. San Remigio’s vice-mayor, Alfie Reynes, highlighted the need for food and water due to damage to the town’s water system.
In Bogo, the earthquake caused damage to concrete structures, including houses, a fire station, and roads. Firefighter Rey Cañete described the intense shaking that prompted them to evacuate their barracks, resulting in injuries to him and three colleagues. The collapse of a concrete wall at their fire station led to the provision of first aid to injured residents, with concerns that more individuals may have been hurt during the tremor.
Residents gathered in a grassy field near the fire station, hesitant to return home after the quake. Numerous businesses suffered visible damage, and roads showed significant cracks. Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro mentioned the destruction of houses and a hospital in Bogo, emphasizing the deployment of emergency medical teams to assist those trapped or injured.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology initially issued a tsunami warning for coastal areas in Cebu, Leyte, and Biliran due to potential one-meter waves. The warning was later lifted without abnormal wave activity. The quake struck as central Philippine provinces were still reeling from a recent storm that resulted in 27 deaths and widespread damage.
The Philippines, vulnerable to natural disasters, experiences frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions as part of the Pacific “Ring of Fire.” The country also faces around 20 typhoons and storms annually.