World
Philippines earthquake damages historic church
A powerful 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck off the northern tip of Cebu late Tuesday night, causing widespread damage across the central Philippines. The epicenter was located about 11 kilometers east-southeast of Calape in Bohol province, just under 10 kilometers underwater near the city of Bogo, which has over 90,000 residents.
Local authorities have confirmed at least five deaths, with many more injured. Damage reports include collapsed buildings, a commercial building and a school in Bantayan island, as well as a hospital and several houses. Provincial rescue official Wilson Ramos expressed concern that people may be trapped under debris.
One of the most devastating impacts was the partial collapse of the centuries-old Parish of Saint Peter the Apostle in Bantayan. Videos circulating on social media show parts of the historic church’s facade crumbling amid flickering lights, capturing the quake’s destructive power.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) warned of a minor sea level disturbance and urged residents in Cebu, Leyte, and Biliran provinces to stay away from the coast and be alert for unusual waves. However, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre later confirmed there was no tsunami threat.
The quake triggered multiple aftershocks, with the United States Geological Survey (USGS) recording four additional tremors of magnitude 5 or higher in the area. The shaking was felt strongly by over half a million people across the Visayan Islands, including Cebu, Biliran, and Leyte.
Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro, in a video message, said the full extent of damage and casualties remains unclear but urged calm. “We are still assessing the damage. It could be worse than we think,” she said, adding that she is coordinating with the president’s office to request urgent aid. Trauma teams, including doctors and nurses, are being deployed to assist those injured.
Scenes of chaos followed the earthquake, with residents rushing into the streets. Footage from Cebu showed a fire breaking out at a mall and a heavily damaged McDonald’s. Beauty pageant contestants were filmed fleeing a stage as the tremors hit.
In response, the Medellin municipality suspended classes and work until buildings can be safely inspected. The region braces for ongoing aftershocks as emergency teams work to support affected communities.
The Philippines lies along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” an area known for intense seismic activity. This latest quake is a grim reminder of the country’s vulnerability to such natural disasters, which have caused significant loss of life and property in recent years.
Naman is a copy editor at Times Now, with over three years experience in covering US News, politics, global affairs, sports, and other domains. Apart … View More