6.9 Magnitude Earthquake Devastates Philippines’ Cebu Province; 60 Plus Dead, Dozens Injured
Earthquake In The Philippines: Dozens Dead After 6.9-Magnitude; A powerful 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck the Cebu province of the Philippines on Tuesday night, leaving a trail of destruction, claiming at least 60 lives, and injuring dozens more. The epicenter of the quake was located near Bogo town, where 13 fatalities have been confirmed. Another four deaths occurred in San Remigio town in northern Cebu, according to Xinhua News Agency, citing SunStar Cebu.
Major Damage and Ongoing Rescue Efforts
Rescue operations are currently underway, with officials warning that the death toll may rise as more people are pulled from the rubble. Emergency response teams are working around the clock to search for survivors and treat the wounded. Cebu Provincial Hospital (Bogo City) is overwhelmed with incoming patients, putting immense pressure on the medical staff.
Epicenter and Seismic Details
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) initially recorded the quake at 6.7 magnitude, but later upgraded it to 6.9, noting that it struck at 9:59 PM local time, approximately 19 kilometers northeast of Bogo City, at a shallow depth of 5 kilometers.
Infrastructure Damage
- The municipality of Medellin reported that two bridges were severely damaged by the quake.
- Roads in several villages have been cracked and rendered impassable.
- The tremor was felt in neighboring provinces in the central and even parts of the southern Philippines.
Power Outages
The earthquake also caused widespread blackouts across Cebu and surrounding central islands after it downed power lines. However, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines reported that power was restored shortly after midnight in Cebu and four other major islands.
🇵🇭 A Nation on Alert
The Philippines sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a seismically active region prone to frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Authorities are closely monitoring aftershock activity and are urging residents in affected areas to remain vigilant.
This disaster comes as a stark reminder of the region’s vulnerability to natural calamities. Emergency teams, local officials, and international aid groups are mobilizing to provide relief and support to the affected communities.
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