Magnitude 6.9 earthquake hits off central Philippines coast

Off the coast of the central Philippines, a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck, sending people into the streets and causing power outages in some areas.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported that the earthquake struck at sea on Tuesday off the northern tip of Cebu island and close to Bogo, a city of more than 90,000 people, and that it was expecting both damage and aftershocks.

Due to a “minor sea level disturbance,” the institute urged residents of the provinces of Cebu, Leyte, and Biliran to stay away from the coast and to “be on alert for unusual waves.”

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center claimed that the tremor did not pose a tsunami threat.

In a video posted on social media, Cebu governor Pamela Baricuatro stated, “We are still assessing the damage.”

“But it could be worse than we think,” said Baricuatro, adding that she has spoken with the president’s office and is requesting assistance.

Joey Leeguid, a firefighter in Cebu, reported to the San Fernando-based AFP news agency that he felt the earthquake at his place of employment. “We observed the moving of our locker. We briefly felt a little dizzy, but now we are all alright,” Leeguid said.

The resort town of Bantayan, where the quake occurred, is home to Martham Pacilan, a 25-year-old resident. He claimed he was near a church when the earthquake struck.

“The church’s direction made a loud booming noise. Then I noticed rocks splintering from the structure. Thankfully, no one was hurt, he told AFP.

My body couldn’t move despite the fact that I was both shocked and in a panic. I was waiting for the shaking to stop.

Although no injuries were immediately reported, some buildings had damage.

The church in Daanbantayan, a town in Cebu province, according to the Archdiocesan Shrine of Santa Rosa de Lima, partially collapsed. Power also left Daanbantayan, citing rumors.

At least five people were killed and 60 others were hurt in a powerful magnitude 7 earthquake that struck the Philippines in July 2022, which was almost daily.