A strong 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck Cebu island in the Philippines at 9:50 pm local time on Tuesday. So far, the earthquake has killed at least 60 people.Immediately, rescue teams worked through the night to find survivors. The earthquake damaged buildings, roads, and cut power in many areas.

The epicentre was about 17 kilometres (10 miles) northeast of Bogo, said disaster-mitigation officer Rex Ygot. Officials warn that the death toll in Bogo could rise. Workers are bringing a backhoe to speed up rescue efforts in a mountain village where landslides buried shanties under boulders.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology briefly issued a tsunami warning. Authorities told people in Cebu, Leyte, and Biliran to stay away from coastlines due to waves of up to one meter (three feet).

Damage Across Towns

San Remigio town, south of Bogo, reported six deaths. These included three coast guard personnel, a firefighter, and a child. The quake damaged houses, a fire station, and roads made of concrete and asphalt, said firefighter Rey Cañete.

Cañete described the chaos: “We were in our barracks to retire for the day when the ground started shaking. We rushed out but stumbled to the ground because of the intense shaking.” As a result, he and three other firemen suffered cuts and bruises.

After the earthquake, hundreds of frightened residents gathered on a grassy field near the fire station. Many refused to return home for hours.

Widespread Structural Damage

Cañete added that several businesses suffered visible damage. Asphalt and concrete roads split with deep cracks. Additionally, an old Roman Catholic church in Daanbantayan sustained damage.

Overall, the quake left a trail of destruction across Cebu. Authorities continue search and rescue efforts, fearing the toll may rise further.