Philippines: The death toll from a powerful 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck off the coast of Cebu Island has risen to at least 69, with nearly 150 others reported injured, officials confirmed Wednesday.
The earthquake hit at 9:59 p.m. local time on Tuesday, near the northern tip of Cebu Island, close to the city of Bogo, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The quake was followed by at least four strong aftershocks, each registering magnitude 5 or higher.
Rafaelito Alejandro, deputy administrator of the Philippines Office of Civil Defence, announced the revised toll during a press briefing in Manila, warning that the situation remains fluid and the number of casualties could increase.
“We are receiving additional numbers of reported casualties, so this thing is very fluid. We are receiving reports that as high as 60 individuals are reported to have perished in this earthquake,” Alejandro said.
Local authorities have declared a state of calamity in affected areas of Cebu. The earthquake caused widespread power outages, collapsed buildings, and damaged infrastructure, including homes and a hospital.
Rescue operations are ongoing, with emergency medical teams deployed to treat those injured or trapped in debris. Officials have not yet released the full extent of structural damage.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has warned residents in Cebu, Leyte, and Biliran provinces to stay away from coastal areas due to a possible “minor sea level disturbance” and urged vigilance for any unusual wave activity.
The Philippines, located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, is highly prone to earthquakes and volcanic activity.
