Emergency teams in the Philippines are working tirelessly to locate survivors following a powerful magnitude-6.9 earthquake that struck near Cebu island late Tuesday. The disaster has claimed at least 72 lives, according to the Philippines' disaster management agency, with recovery efforts ongoing amid collapsed structures and damaged infrastructure.
Search Under Rubble
Rescue workers used heavy machinery and hand tools to sift through debris in Cebu, where a multi-story building crumbled during the tremor. Bodies have been recovered from the site, while teams continue combing nearby affected areas for signs of life. Local authorities have deployed medical units and temporary shelters for displaced residents.
Regional Impact
The quake's epicenter was recorded near the neighboring island of Negros Oriental, triggering landslides and power outages across the Central Visayas region. Seismologists warn of potential aftershocks as geologists assess fault line activity. Transportation networks remain disrupted, complicating relief supply deliveries.
International Response
Neighboring ASEAN countries have offered assistance, while the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction commended local response coordination. The incident highlights ongoing seismic risks in the Pacific Ring of Fire, where 90% of the world's earthquakes occur.
