October 1, 2025 | 09:36 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - At least 27 people have died after a 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck the Philippines on late Tuesday, according to a government official. This marks one of the most devastating disasters in the country this year.
The earthquake, which hit off the coast of Bogo City in the central Visayas region just before 10 p.m. local time on Tuesday, caused power outages and structural damage in the area.
Alfie Reynes, the vice mayor of San Remigio, previously confirmed the death toll of 22 in an interview with DZMM radio as quoted by CNA.
Another government official said over the phone that at least 21 people were reported dead in Cebu province, and added that verification is being conducted regarding the reported deaths.
The New York Times previously reported that at least 37 people were injured in the earthquake, with several buildings and infrastructure collapsing, including a bridge.
Seismological agencies estimated the earthquake's depth at about 10 kilometers and recorded several aftershocks, with the strongest aftershock registering a magnitude of 6. Other monitoring agencies stated that there was no tsunami threat after the earthquake.
Cebu City, with a population of almost 1 million people, according to USGS.
The Provincial Government of Cebu has requested medical volunteers on its official Facebook page to assist in the aftermath of the earthquake.
"There could be people trapped beneath collapsed buildings," said provincial rescue official Wilson Ramos, referring to ongoing rescue efforts in San Remigio and Bogo. He said he did not know how many people were missing.
He added that overnight recovery efforts were hampered by the dark and aftershocks.
The earthquake caused power cable disruptions, leading to a blackout across Cebu and nearby islands, as conveyed by the National Grid Corp of the Philippines in a statement, while adding that they are still assessing the extent of the damage.
Cebu City Police Colonel Enrico Figueroa said that several power transformers installed on electric poles exploded during the earthquake.
Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro said several houses and an undisclosed number of hospitals were damaged in Bogo and elsewhere, and emergency medical teams are being mobilized to provide care for trapped and injured residents.
"We’re sending already a trauma team there, doctors and nurses are on the way," Baricuatro told DZMM radio network. "We need medicine, food, medical teams."
"SHOCKED"
Martham Pacilan, a 25-year-old resident of the resort town of Bantayan, also near the epicenter, said he was at the town square near a church, which was damaged by the earthquake.
"I heard a loud booming noise from the direction of the church then I saw rocks falling from the structure. Luckily no one got hurt," he said.
"II was in shock and in panic at the same time but my body couldn't move, I was just there waiting for the shake to stop."
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, Phivolcs, warned of possible aftershocks and damage from offshore earthquakes. The agency also cautioned that "strong currents and rapid changes of seawater level are expected."
"The concerned public is advised to be on alert for unusual waves," the warning said.
The Philippines is located in the Pacific "Ring of Fire", where volcanic activity and earthquakes are frequent. The Philippines experienced two major earthquakes in January with no casualties. In 2023, a 6.7 magnitude offshore earthquake killed eight people.
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