A powerful 6.9-magnitude earthquake has claimed 69 lives in the Philippines’ Cebu province, with rescue teams racing against time to find survivors trapped under collapsed buildings. The quake struck late Tuesday night, its epicenter near Bogo city, and triggered over 600 aftershocks, leaving communities in shock. 🌏💥
Local authorities confirmed the majority of deaths occurred in Bogo (30), Medellin (10), and San Remigio (22), with victims crushed by falling debris. At least 147 injuries were reported, though numbers may rise as assessments continue. 🚨
‘We’re prioritizing search and rescue,’ said Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro of the Office of Civil Defense, emphasizing the urgency as crews dig through rubble. Cebu province has declared a state of calamity, unlocking emergency funds for relief and price controls on essentials like food and medicine. 💰🆘
The quake—initially measured at 6.7—struck at a shallow depth of 5 km, shaking neighboring provinces and southern regions. The Philippines, part of the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire,’ faces frequent seismic activity, but this marks one of 2024’s deadliest disasters so far. 🔥🌋
Stay tuned for updates as recovery efforts unfold. Our hearts go out to those affected. 🙏 #PhilippinesStrong
