A powerful 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Cebu in the Visayas region of the Philippines on September 30 late evening, leaving at least 69 people dead and more than 150 others injured, officials confirmed.
The quake, which had a depth of around 10 km, was followed by several aftershocks. Authorities said there is no tsunami threat, though widespread damage to buildings, roads and bridges has been reported.
The city of Bogo in Cebu province, located near the epicenter, has been among the worst-hit areas. A hospital there has been overwhelmed with injured patients. In San Remigio, a sports complex collapsed during a basketball game, resulting in multiple casualties.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assured that the government is prioritizing relief and rescue operations. Several cabinet secretaries have been sent to coordinate assistance on the ground.
The disaster comes just days after a storm caused fatalities and infrastructural damage in the region. Local authorities have now declared a state of calamity in Cebu and surrounding areas to facilitate faster aid distribution.
The Indian Embassy in Manila has extended condolences to the families of the victims and expressed solidarity with the Philippines during this crisis.
