A 6.9 magnitude earthquake in the Philippines killed 60 people and injured many. Buildings in Cebu and surrounding areas collapsed. A tsunami alert was issued, which was later cancelled.
Philippines Earthquake: The Philippines has once again been hit by a natural disaster. An earthquake that struck on Tuesday night shook the entire country. The quake was so powerful that dozens of buildings collapsed and many lives were lost. According to initial reports, 60 deaths have been confirmed so far, while many people are injured.
Earthquake Intensity and Epicenter
According to the Philippine Seismology Agency, the earthquake's intensity was measured at 6.9 on the Richter scale. Its epicenter was reported near the coastal areas of Cebu City. At around 10 PM, while people were resting in their homes, the ground suddenly began to shake violently. The tremors were so b that people rushed out of their houses in panic. Power supply was disrupted in many areas, and communication systems were also affected.
Worst Devastation in Cebu and Surrounding Areas
The earthquake's most significant impact was felt in Cebu and its neighboring cities. Mayor Alfie Rens of San Remigio city informed the media that 21 deaths were recorded in her city and surrounding areas alone. She stated that several buildings completely collapsed, and rescue operations are ongoing to extricate people trapped under the rubble.
Tsunami Warning
After the earthquake, the Philippine Seismology Agency expressed concerns about changing sea levels and issued a tsunami alert for coastal areas. People were advised to stay away from the shores. However, approximately three hours later, the alert was cancelled as no significant change in sea level was recorded.
Number of Injured
According to a New York Times report, at least 37 people have been injured by the earthquake so far. Many of the injured are reported to be in serious condition. They have been admitted to nearby hospitals. Teams of doctors and nurses are continuously treating the injured, while rescue teams are constantly working to clear debris to save those trapped underneath.
Local Officials' Response
Rex Ygot, an official involved in disaster management, stated that the situation in Bogo city is extremely serious. At least 14 deaths have been confirmed there. He added that movement in the area is difficult due to landslides and fallen rocks blocking roads.
Another official, Glenn Ursal, reported that a church in Daanbantayan town has been damaged, and power supply is cut off in several areas. Gemma Vilamor, head of the city's disaster office, informed that at least 12 people have died in Medellin city. Many of them were sleeping when the walls and roofs of their homes suddenly collapsed.
Philippines Also Grappling with Recent Typhoon
The Philippines had barely recovered from the recent Typhoon ‘Bualoi’ when this earthquake caused widespread devastation. The typhoon had claimed at least 27 lives, with most deaths due to drowning and falling trees. Thousands of people were left homeless, and the power supply was severely affected. Facing continuous disasters, the situation for the Philippines is becoming even more challenging.
Impact of the Pacific Ring of Fire
The Philippines is among the countries located near the Pacific Ring of Fire. This region is notorious for seismic activity and volcanic eruptions. Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are recorded here multiple times a year, which is why the Philippines is one of the countries most at risk from natural disasters.
