Earthquake 6.9 Magnitude Hit Northern Cebu, Philippines

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — An offshore earthquake of magnitude 6.9 collapsed walls of houses and buildings late Tuesday in a central Philippine province, killing at least 60 people, injuring many others and sending residents scrambling out of homes into darkness as the intense shaking cut off power, officials said.

The epicenter of the earthquake, which was set off by movement in a local fault at a depth of 5 kilometers (3 miles), was about 19 kilometers (12 miles) northeast of Bogo, a coastal city of about 90,000 people in Cebu province where at least 14 residents died, disaster-mitigation officer Rex Ygot told The Associated Press by telephone.

The death toll in Bogo was expected to rise. Workers were trying to transport a backhoe to hasten search and rescue efforts in a cluster of shanties in a mountain village hit by a landslide and boulders, he said.

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📌 Key Details & Scale of Impact

• The quake had a magnitude of 6.9 and struck offshore Cebu late on September 30, 2025. AP News+4Wikipedia+4South China Morning Post+4

• The epicenter was located about 17–19 km northeast of Bogo in northern Cebu province. South China Morning Post+3CNA+3AP News+3

• Depth estimates vary, but relatively shallow (~5–10 km) which increases the intensity of shaking. Reuters+2Wikipedia+2

• Aftershocks have been frequent — over 280 aftershocks recorded as of now (the strongest aftershock being magnitude ~5.2) Wikipedia

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⚠️ Casualties, Damage & Effects

• Death Toll: Reports vary, but ~22 to 31 people are confirmed dead so far in Cebu province. Wikipedia+5Reuters+5CNA+5

• Injuries: At least ~147 injured according to compiled reports. Wikipedia

• Infrastructure Damage:
    • Many homes, walls, and buildings collapsed or partially damaged (especially in Bogo, Medellin, San Remigio). South China Morning Post+3AP News+3CNA+3
    • Bridges, government buildings, and at least one fire station were affected or damaged. Wikipedia+2CNA+2
    • Historic structures and churches sustained damage (e.g. Archdiocesan Shrine of Santa Rosa de Lima in Daanbantayan). Wikipedia+2South China Morning Post+2

• Power & Utilities:
    • Widespread power outages across Cebu and adjacent islands. CNA+2Reuters+2
    • The quake caused disconnection of Leyte, Samar, and parts of Bohol from the Cebu-Negros-Panay grid. AP News+4Wikipedia+4CNA+4
    • Water systems, roads, and transmission lines were also disrupted. CNA+1

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🛟 Responses & Ongoing Challenges

• Rescue & Relief Efforts: Search and rescue operations are in progress, including use of heavy machinery (e.g. backhoes) in areas hit by landslides or rubble. AP News+2CNA+2

• Declarations / Suspensions:
    • Some towns (like San Remigio) plan to declare states of calamity for faster relief. Wikipedia
    • Classes and government work have been suspended in many areas of Cebu pending structural assessments. Wikipedia+2AP News+2

• Tsunami Advisory: PHIVOLCS initially issued a tsunami warning and advised coastal areas to stay alert to sea level changes; the warning was later lifted with no abnormal waves observed. South China Morning Post+4AP News+4CNA+4

• Aftershock Risk: Authorities warn of continuing aftershocks and urge caution in re-entering damaged structures. Reuters+2Wikipedia+2

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