The Philippines authorities reported today that a violent 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck the central archipelago on Tuesday evening has claimed up to 60 lives, with the number of casualties expected to rise as rescue operations continue.
Rafaelito Alejandro, deputy head of the Office of Civil Defense, told reporters in Manila, “We are receiving an increasing number of reports of casualties, so the situation is very volatile. We have received reports of up to 60 people killed in this earthquake.” Authorities warned that these figures may rise as more information becomes available from affected areas.
The earthquake occurred at 9:59 p.m. local time (12:59 GMT) and was centered in the sea near the Cebu Island, a major hub in the central Philippines, according to the US Geological Survey. The tremor caused widespread panic, structural damage, and disruptions to utilities, prompting emergency alerts across the region.
Local authorities in Cebu province issued urgent calls for volunteers and medical personnel to assist in relief efforts. The provincial government used its social media channels to coordinate aid and mobilize rescue teams.
Wilson Ramos, a senior rescue official in the area, emphasized the urgency of the situation: “There could be people trapped under the rubble,” he said, adding that teams were working tirelessly throughout the night despite darkness and ongoing aftershocks.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported that more than 300 aftershocks have been recorded since the initial quake, adding to the challenges faced by rescue and relief teams. Authorities are warning residents to remain vigilant, particularly in coastal and low-lying areas prone to landslides and secondary tremors.
Emergency services are prioritizing search and rescue operations, medical assistance, and the provision of temporary shelters for displaced residents. Local hospitals have activated disaster response protocols, and the national government has pledged to support affected communities with emergency aid and logistical support.
The quake has drawn international attention, with neighboring countries and humanitarian organizations monitoring the situation closely. Officials have warned that the situation remains highly fluid, and more casualties and damage reports are expected in the coming hours and days as rescue teams gain access to remote and hard-hit areas.
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