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Cebu, Philippines – A powerful earthquake struck the central Philippines on Tuesday, killing at least 69 people and leaving widespread destruction across Cebu, one of the country’s most populous islands. The tremor, which measured 7.1 on the Richter scale, toppled homes, flattened infrastructure, and sent thousands of residents fleeing into the streets.
The Quake and Its Impact
According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), the earthquake struck just after dawn, with its epicenter near southern Cebu. The shaking lasted for more than a minute, triggering landslides and cracking major highways, which hampered immediate rescue operations.
Witnesses reported scenes of panic as buildings swayed violently. Many homes and schools collapsed, and several hospitals were forced to evacuate patients due to structural damage. Emergency shelters have been set up in parks, churches, and open fields as aftershocks continue to rattle the region.
Rising Death Toll and Rescue Efforts
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) confirmed 69 fatalities, with hundreds more injured. Dozens remain missing, raising fears the death toll could climb further.
Rescue teams, including military personnel and volunteers, are working around the clock to pull survivors from the rubble. Heavy equipment has been deployed to clear debris, but access to remote villages remains challenging due to blocked roads and damaged bridges.
Government Response
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and assured swift government support. “We are mobilizing all resources for rescue, relief, and rehabilitation. Cebu will recover, but right now, our priority is saving lives,” he said.
Relief goods, including food, water, and medicine, are being distributed, though shortages have been reported in hard-hit areas. Temporary power outages and disrupted communication lines have further complicated response efforts.
Regional and Global Concern
The United Nations and neighboring countries have offered assistance, with humanitarian groups preparing to send aid. Experts warn of possible aftershocks and urge residents to remain cautious.
What’s Next
As Cebu struggles to cope with the aftermath, experts say the recovery process will be long and difficult. Rebuilding damaged infrastructure and restoring basic services are expected to take months, if not longer.
For now, the focus remains on rescue operations and providing relief to thousands displaced by the disaster.
[Newsroom staff written original, where key claims or facts are used, I’ve referenced the original sources (like Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), Reuters, AP News
etc.) transparent
