Powerful 6.9 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Philippines, Sparks Rescue Efforts
A powerful 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck the central Philippines last night, causing significant damage and sparking rescue efforts. The earthquake, which occurred around 10 p.m. local time, was felt strongly across the Visayan Islands, with more than half a million people experiencing very strong shaking.
The earthquake happened 10 kilometers underwater, west of Palompon and near Bogo in Cebu province. The city of Toledo, closest to the epicenter, was severely affected. Footage from the region shows a fire at a mall and damage to a McDonald's in Cebu province. Authorities in Bogo have launched rescue operations.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology issued an orange-level tsunami alert for Leyte, Biliran, and Cebu provinces following the earthquake. The Philippines, situated along the Ring of Fire, is no stranger to seismic activity. In 2019, a 6.1-magnitude earthquake in Luzon resulted in at least 11 deaths. Last year, a 7.0-magnitude earthquake in northern Luzon caused five fatalities and injured over 100 people.
The strong earthquake has caused considerable damage and could result in casualties, particularly to poorly built structures. Rescue efforts are ongoing, and the extent of the damage is being assessed. The tsunami alert has since been lifted, but residents are urged to remain vigilant.
