A powerful earthquake struck central Philippines late Tuesday, killing at least 26 people and injuring more than 140 as rescuers scrambled to reach those trapped under collapsed buildings.
The 6.9-magnitude quake hit near the northern tip of Cebu island at 9:59 pm local time, shaking communities and leaving widespread damage in its wake. Officials warned that the death toll could rise as search teams continue their work.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported 26 deaths and 147 injuries by early Wednesday, with 22 buildings damaged. Many of the victims were in Bogo city and the nearby municipality of San Remigio. Local rescuers were among the first to confirm casualties.
Videos shared on social media captured terrifying moments as a Catholic church belfry on Bantayan island toppled into its courtyard, while strings of lights swung violently. Other clips showed riders on motorcycles holding onto railings as a bridge in Cebu shook intensely.
Rescuers carry a bag containing a dead body retrieved from an indoor arena in San Remigio town, Cebu province, central Philippine.PHOTO/AFP"There could be people trapped beneath collapsed buildings," said provincial rescue official Wilson Ramos, describing ongoing operations in Bogo and San Remigio. Recovery efforts were slowed overnight by darkness and continuous aftershocks, which the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said numbered 379 in the region.
The quake caused power outages across Cebu and nearby central islands after lines tripped, but electricity was restored shortly after midnight in Cebu and four other major islands, the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines confirmed.
Cebu firefighter Joey Leeguid recounted the experience from San Fernando town: "We felt the shake here in our station, it was so strong. We saw our locker moving from left to right, we felt slightly dizzy for a while but we are all fine now."
Martham Pacilan, 25, witnessed the church belfry collapse in Bantayan town square. "It was terrifying. I could not believe it," he said, visibly shaken.
The provincial government of Cebu is calling for medical volunteers to help with the emergency response, as authorities continue to search for survivors and assess the damage from the strong quake.