MANILA – A strong 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck the central Philippines on Tuesday, causing widespread devastation and claiming the lives of at least 60 people. The tremor, which inflicted extensive material damage and prompted a temporary tsunami warning, sent panic through several communities and was followed by a series of aftershocks.

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According to data from the Provincial Information Office cited by the network ABS-CBN, the city of Bogo suffered the heaviest loss of life with 27 fatalities, while the neighboring area of San Remigio reported five deaths. The powerful quake caused significant damage to infrastructure, with Cebu Governor Pam Baricuatro confirming that several bridges and roads were damaged and are currently under inspection.

"Lord please send some help"

Employees in a mall in Cebu scrambled for safety after part of the building collapsed during the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that hit the Philippines today.pic.twitter.com/1mlTL8cv8E

— Volcaholic 🌋 (@volcaholic1) September 30, 2025

The historical Santa Rosa de Lima Church in Daanbantayan, a structure dating back to 1858, was among the casualties, suffering a partial collapse of its facade.

🚨Philippines Earthquake

6.9-magnitude #earthquake struck off #cebu (10km deep, near Bogo City) killing 69+

San Remigio Sports Complex collapsed

100-year-old heritage #church Archdiocesan Shrine of Santa Rosa de Lima in Daanbantayan collapsed#CebuEarthquake #EarthquakePH pic.twitter.com/YPPiJNRhk7

— Rapid Reveal (@rapid_reveal) October 1, 2025

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) initially issued a tsunami alert for coastal areas, raising fears of a second disaster, but lifted the warning several hours later. Social media was flooded with videos capturing the scale of the event, including one showing employees at a shopping centre in the town of Cebu calling for help amidst the rubble.

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The seismological agency also reported multiple aftershocks, with magnitudes ranging from 2.4 to 5, the most recent recorded at 10:58 p.m. local time. Rescue and recovery efforts are ongoing across the affected regions.

-Thailand News (TN)