A powerful 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck the Philippines, resulting in a tragic death toll of at least 69 individuals. The earthquake, which hit off the coast of Cebu province late last night, caused widespread destruction, including road damage and collapsed homes.
Reports indicate that 14 people lost their lives in Bogo after being buried under a landslide in a shanty village. Additionally, 12 individuals died in Medellin Town due to collapsing houses, and a firefighter in Sam Remigio was fatally injured by falling walls during a basketball game interruption caused by the tremor.
Following the disaster, medical staff faced overwhelming challenges treating injured patients outside hospital buildings. Black body bags were seen being transported to local mortuaries as the death toll climbed to 69. Governor Pamela Baricuatro mentioned that due to the high volume of serious injuries, medical personnel had to attend to some patients outdoors.
Rescue teams have been deployed to search for survivors and restore essential services in Cebu Province, where the earthquake’s impact was most severe. The situation has prompted the declaration of a state of calamity, granting authorities additional powers to address the crisis effectively.
The earthquake has caused significant damage across the region, with multiple roads and bridges affected. The death toll is expected to rise further as emergency responders assess the extent of the devastation during daylight hours. Residents are urged to stay vigilant as aftershocks may occur.