Major Earthquake in Central Philippines Claims 22 Lives; Buildings Severely Damaged

A 6.9-magnitude earthquake hit the central Philippines late Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of at least 22 people and injuries to many others. The powerful quake caused significant damage to buildings, prompting residents to flee their homes, authorities reported. The epicenter of the earthquake was approximately 17 kilometers northeast of Bogo, a coastal city with a population nearing 90,000. The intense tremors caused damage to the concrete walls of homes and a fire station, caused extensive cracks in asphalt roads, and disrupted the power supply. Firefighter Rey Cañete described the terrifying experience of the earthquake and the injuries he and his fellow firefighters sustained. After a concrete wall in their fire station collapsed, they provided immediate first aid to three injured residents, including an elderly man who was taken to a nearby hospital with head injuries. Several shops and businesses were visibly damaged, and deep cracks were observed on the asphalt and concrete roads. An old Roman Catholic church in Daanbantayan town, near Bogo, was also damaged. Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro confirmed that several houses and a hospital were damaged in Bogo and surrounding areas. Emergency medical teams were dispatched to treat residents who were trapped and injured. The full extent of the damage and the injuries was expected to be revealed during the day. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology issued a tsunami warning, advising residents in Cebu and nearby provinces to avoid coastal regions. However, the tsunami warning was later lifted after no unusual wave activity was observed.