6.9-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Central Philippines, Causing Injuries and Structural Damage

A 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck the central Philippines late Tuesday, causing injuries and structural damage in Bogo City and surrounding areas. The quake's epicenter was approximately 17 kilometers northeast of Bogo, a coastal city with about 90,000 residents. The intense shaking damaged concrete walls of houses and a fire station, caused deep cracks in asphalt roads, and led to power outages in the city.

Firefighter Rey Cañete reported that he and three colleagues sustained cuts and bruises while evacuating their barracks during the quake. They provided first aid to at least three residents injured by falling debris, including an elderly man with head injuries who was transported to a nearby hospital. Cañete noted that more residents were likely injured due to the intense shaking.

Hundreds of residents gathered in a grassy field near the fire station, reluctant to return home hours after the earthquake. Several businesses sustained visible damage, and an old Roman Catholic church in Daanbantayan town near Bogo was also affected.

Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro stated that an unspecified number of houses and a hospital were damaged in Bogo and other areas. Emergency medical teams were being deployed to treat residents who were pinned and injured. Baricuatro emphasized the need for medicine, food, and medical teams.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology initially issued a tsunami warning, advising people to stay away from coastlines in Cebu and nearby provinces due to possible waves up to 1 meter. However, Director Teresito Bacolcol later lifted the warning, confirming that no unusual waves were monitored.

This earthquake follows a storm that hit central Philippine provinces on Friday, leaving at least 27 people dead, causing power outages, and forcing the evacuation of tens of thousands.