6.9 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Bogo, Cebu — Dozens Dead, Hundreds Displaced

 

Cebu, Philippines — A powerful magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck northern Cebu late Tuesday night, shaking homes, toppling structures, and sending residents fleeing into the streets. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) confirmed that the quake hit at 9:59 p.m., with its epicenter located about 17 kilometers northeast of Bogo City at a shallow depth of 5 to 10 kilometers.

Initially reported at magnitude 6.7, the tremor was later upgraded to 6.9 after further seismic monitoring. The quake was felt across Cebu Province and neighboring regions, with aftershocks continuing through the night.

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⚠️ Casualties and Damage

Authorities reported more than 22 deaths across northern Cebu as of Wednesday morning. In Bogo City, at least 13 people were killed, while San Remigio confirmed five fatalities, including a child who was crushed when parts of a concrete structure collapsed. Many others remain injured, some in critical condition.

• Buildings and Infrastructure:
• In Bogo, a section of the fire station’s concrete wall collapsed, while public markets and barangay halls sustained visible cracks.
• The Archdiocesan Shrine of Santa Rosa de Lima in nearby Daanbantayan suffered structural damage, raising concerns about its stability.
• Major roads leading in and out of Bogo developed large cracks, disrupting transportation and slowing rescue operations.
• Power and Communication:
• Electricity was cut off in Bogo, San Remigio, and parts of Daanbantayan. Power restoration is ongoing but is expected to take several days.
• Communication lines were unstable, making coordination difficult for emergency responders.

🌊 Tsunami Advisory

Shortly after the earthquake, PHIVOLCS issued a tsunami advisory for parts of Cebu and nearby coastal towns. Residents along the shoreline were urged to move to higher ground. However, after further monitoring, the advisory was lifted when no significant sea level changes were recorded.

🏥 Government Response

• The local government of Bogo City declared a state of calamity early Wednesday to allow the release of emergency funds and faster disaster response.
• Rescue teams from Cebu City and neighboring provinces have been deployed to assist in search-and-retrieval operations.
• Evacuation centers in schools and gymnasiums have been opened, now housing hundreds of displaced families.
• Classes and government work in Cebu’s northern towns have been suspended pending structural inspections.

🧾 Safety Reminders for Residents

Authorities continue to urge residents to:

1. Stay outside damaged buildings until cleared by engineers.
2. Be alert for aftershocks that may still cause weakened structures to collapse.
3. Keep emergency kits ready — including food, water, flashlights, and first-aid supplies.
4. Avoid coastal areas until official clearance is given.
5. Report injuries, missing persons, and damaged property to barangay officials for immediate action.

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📢 Official Statement

PHIVOLCS reminded the public that while earthquakes cannot be predicted, preparedness can reduce risks. “We continue to monitor aftershocks in Cebu and nearby provinces. Residents are advised to remain vigilant and to follow advisories from local authorities,” the agency said in its latest update.