World News : A powerful 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck the central Philippines on Tuesday night, leaving a trail of destruction and claiming the lives of over 27 people, with many others injured. Officials fear the death toll may rise as several of the injured remain in critical condition.
The epicenter of the quake was located 17 kilometers northeast of Bogo City, in Cebu Province, which has a population of around 90,000. The earthquake triggered widespread panic, forcing residents to flee their homes as buildings shook violently.
According to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, at least 13 people were killed in Bogo City, including 9 adults and 4 children, while 4 deaths were reported in the nearby town of San Remigio.
Numerous historic buildings, including churches and government structures, suffered extensive damage. Roads cracked, electricity was cut off in many areas, and communications were disrupted. The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) announced that 27 power plants went offline, prompting a yellow alert from 1 PM to midnight on Wednesday due to reduced power supply.
Rescue and relief operations are ongoing in the affected regions as authorities work to assess the full extent of the damage and restore essential services.
The Philippines lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a seismically active zone known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity. The country also faces regular natural disasters like typhoons and cyclones.
