Manila — Fear and chaos gripped the central Philippines on Tuesday night when a strong earthquake shook Cebu province, toppling buildings, cracking roads, and plunging entire towns into darkness.
The quake, measuring around 6.9 magnitude, struck off the coast of Bogo City just days after the region was battered by deadly storms — leaving residents to confront yet another disaster.
A Night of Panic
In towns like San Remigio, walls crumbled as people ran into the streets, many barefoot and in nightclothes. At a sports complex where a local game was underway, parts of the structure collapsed. Among the victims were families, children, and first responders who had rushed in to help.
“We didn’t know where to run. The ground shook so violently that even the strongest walls cracked,” said Maria Lopez, a resident of Bogo City who fled her home carrying her two children.
Widespread Destruction
- Buildings collapsed and ceilings caved in, with reports of damage to hospitals, schools, and even the centuries-old Santa Rosa de Lima Church.
- Roads and bridges buckled, complicating rescue missions.
- Power outages left entire towns in darkness, with communication lines cut off for hours.
- Hospitals were overwhelmed with injured survivors, many being treated in corridors and makeshift tents.
Local authorities have declared a state of calamity, allowing them to release emergency funds and speed up relief operations.
Racing Against Time
Emergency responders are digging through rubble and clearing roads to reach isolated communities. But heavy rains and aftershocks have slowed operations.
“Our priority is to find survivors trapped under debris and provide urgent medical care,” said a spokesperson from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
National Response
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has assured full government support, directing military and emergency units to assist with relief. Temporary shelters are being set up as thousands remain displaced.
A Nation on Edge
The Philippines lies on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” one of the world’s most seismically active regions. Experts warn that while quakes are part of life here, the country urgently needs stronger building safety measures to protect vulnerable communities.
For many survivors, though, rebuilding feels like a far-off dream. “We’ve lost everything twice in just a few days — first the storm, now the quake,” said Juan Dela Cruz, standing beside the ruins of his home. “All we want now is a safe place for our children.”
