Cebu quake kills 72, displaces thousands as aftershocks continue

The magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck northern Cebu has claimed 72 lives and displaced thousands, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported Thursday.

Most of the fatalities were recorded in Bogo City with 30 deaths, followed by San Remigio with 22, Medellin with 12, Tabogon with five, and one each in Sogod, Tabuelan, and Borbon.

Authorities also reported 294 people injured and nearly 600 houses destroyed, forcing families to seek shelter in streets, chapels, and evacuation sites.

Over 20,000 residents have fled their homes, with families now sleeping in chapels, streets, or evacuation centers as aftershocks continue to jolt the province.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Philvocs), the quake that struck Tuesday evening off the northern coast of Cebu has triggered 3,036 aftershocks so far, with 15 strong enough to be felt.

“You shouldn’t immediately return to the building if there’s visible damage after the main shock. Consult civil engineers, structural engineers in your municipal or city engineering office and seek advice regarding the integrity of the buildings,” Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol said during the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing on Wednesday.

Cebu provincial Governor Pamela Baricuatro appealed for immediate aid, saying many survivors lack safe drinking water, food, clothing, and shelter.

“Many homes were destroyed and many families are in need of help to recover… They need our help, prayers, and support,” she stated.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. visited the affected province to survey the damage and coordinate response efforts but made no public statement during the inspection.

Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development pledged to shoulder burial costs for the victims and provide P10,000 financial aid to bereaved families, along with medical and cash assistance for the injured.

Relief officials said over 14,000 food packs have already been distributed, with more than 400,000 prepositioned at the Visayas disaster resource center in Mandaue City for sustained relief operations.

DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao then confirmed that tents will also be distributed as temporary shelters for those affected by the quake.

“Meron din tayong family tents na idi-distribute dun sa mga ibang bayan dito sa Cebu para may pansamantalang panunuluyan yung mga kababayan nating naapektuhan,” she said.

Psychosocial services are also being extended to vulnerable groups to help them cope with the trauma of the disaster.

“Nakahalaga na ma-cushion natin ‘yung impact ng sudden crisis dun sa mga kababayan natin particularly the vulnerable sector – children, women, senior citizens and even persons with disability,” Dumlao emphasized.

At 9:59 PM on September 30, a strong 6.9-magnitude earthquake hit Cebu, with its epicenter situated northeast of Bogo City, Cebu.