Daijiworld Media Network – Cebu
Cebu, Oct 1: In a devastating turn of events, at least 31 people lost their lives and over 100 sustained injuries after a powerful 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck the central Philippines late Tuesday night, sending shockwaves across the island of Cebu and neighbouring regions. Authorities fear the death toll may rise as rescue teams continue to search through collapsed structures for survivors.
According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the shallow quake struck at 9:59 pm (local time) off the northern tip of Cebu island near Bogo city, home to around 90,000 residents.
Cebu’s provincial governor Pamela Baricuatro confirmed that 25 deaths were reported from Bogo city alone, where hospitals have been overwhelmed by the rush of casualties. “Due to the high volume of patients with serious injuries, our medical staff had to treat some of them outside the hospital premises,” Baricuatro shared on her official social media account.
Six additional fatalities were reported from other parts of Cebu province, while the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) recorded 147 injured and 22 buildings damaged across the central islands.
Residents shared dramatic videos on social media showing the belfry of a historic Catholic church on Bantayan island collapsing moments after its lights swayed violently. “I heard a loud booming sound, then saw stones falling from the church tower. Luckily, no one was hurt,” said Martham Pacilan (25), who witnessed the collapse.
Terrifying scenes also unfolded on a Cebu bridge where motorcyclists were forced to dismount and cling to railings as the structure rocked intensely.
Buildings as far as Cebu city, located nearly 100 kilometres south of Bogo, suffered damage. Jayford Maranga (21), an online shoe seller, recounted his ordeal while dining at a mall’s food court: “Suddenly, everything started shaking. It felt like the Earth had stopped spinning. We hid under a table as the metal ceiling began to collapse. My friend was slightly injured.”
Authorities have appealed for medical volunteers to assist in treating the injured. “There could still be people trapped beneath collapsed buildings,” warned Wilson Ramos, a provincial rescue official.
Rescue operations continued overnight despite widespread darkness, power outages, and frequent aftershocks—with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reporting 379 aftershocks since the main quake.
The National Grid Corp. of the Philippines confirmed that power was restored by midnight in Cebu and four other major islands after temporary disruptions.
Significant damage has been reported, including the collapse of a commercial building and a school in Bantayan, along with heavy damage to a fast-food outlet in Bogo.
Residents described the quake as one of the most frightening experiences of their lives. Agnes Merza (65), a caregiver from Bantayan, said, “It felt like everything around us was falling. Our kitchen tiles cracked. Neighbours ran out of their homes while my two teenage assistants hid under a table as they were taught in the boy scouts.”
The USGS initially measured the quake at 7.0 magnitude but later revised it to 6.9. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center confirmed there was no tsunami threat.
Earthquakes are a frequent occurrence in the Philippines, which sits on the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire’, a region notorious for intense seismic activity. While most tremors go unnoticed, destructive quakes strike unpredictably, leaving communities with little time to prepare.
Rescue efforts continue as authorities brace for more aftershocks and hope to save those who might still be trapped under the debris.