MANILA, Philippines — The death toll from the powerful earthquake that struck Cebu has climbed to more than 30, according to the command center at Bogo City Hospital. More bodies continue to be brought to the Provincial Hospital for identification and processing.
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| Photo courtesy: Philippine Information Agency |
Among the fatalities were five individuals from the municipality of San Remigio, local authorities confirmed. At least 37 people were also reported injured, said Ainjeliz Orong of the Cebu Provincial Information Center in an interview with ANC's Headstart on Wednesday.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported that the quake, which struck at 9:59 p.m. Tuesday, originated offshore from active faults northeast of Cebu Island.
The epicenter was traced about 19 kilometers north and 70 kilometers east of Bogo City. The tremor, tectonic in origin, was initially recorded at magnitude 6.7 before being upgraded to 6.9, with a shallow depth of five kilometers.
As a precautionary measure, classes in most areas of Cebu were suspended on Wednesday, October 1, to ensure the safety of students and school personnel amid continuing aftershocks and structural inspections.
Widespread damage in Bogo City
Bogo City, closest to the epicenter, sustained significant damage. Roads split apart, creating large ground fissures that forced authorities to reroute traffic. Infrastructure, homes, and public facilities also suffered extensive destruction.
Tragedy in San Remigio Sports Complex
In nearby San Remigio, tragedy struck when a basketball game inside a sports complex turned fatal as the building collapsed mid-event. Initial reports indicated that more than 10 people were trapped beneath the debris, with rescue operations ongoing.
Hospitals across Cebu also struggled to cope with the influx of patients, many of whom had to be accommodated in makeshift evacuation centers.
Emergency responders faced overwhelming challenges, including cases where pregnant women were forced to give birth outdoors due to a shortage of facilities and medical staff. Medellin Mayor Edwin Salimbangon has since deployed tents to provide temporary shelter for displaced patients and residents.
Government response
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has ordered concerned agencies to mobilize and deliver immediate assistance to affected communities.
Meanwhile, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), in its 8 a.m. situational report, said all confirmed casualties and injuries were from Region 7 (Central Visayas), though figures remain subject to verification.
