Saturday, March 29, 2025
Manila, October 1, 2025 – A powerful earthquake struck the Philippines on Tuesday, leaving at least 22 people dead and causing widespread destruction in the central Visayas region. The tremor, which measured 6.9 on the Richter scale, shook the island province of Cebu and triggered panic across densely populated areas.
According to local authorities, the earthquake’s epicenter was located in the Visayan Sea, near Bogo City in Cebu province, at a depth of 5 to 10 kilometers. The shallow depth amplified the destructive force, toppling several buildings and trapping people under the debris. Rescue operations are underway, with emergency teams searching through the rubble for survivors.
Witnesses described scenes of chaos as residents rushed out of homes, offices, and schools when the ground began to shake violently. Many families spent the night in open spaces, fearing aftershocks. Videos shared on social media showed collapsed structures, damaged roads, and people screaming as they fled to safety.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology confirmed that the earthquake struck in the seismically active “Ring of Fire”, a region known for frequent tectonic activity.
Initial reports confirmed 22 fatalities, most caused by falling debris and building collapses. Hospitals in Cebu have been overwhelmed with injured victims, while disaster officials warned that the death toll may rise as rescue efforts continue.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed condolences to the victims’ families and directed military and disaster agencies to assist local authorities in relief and recovery efforts. Evacuation centers have been set up across Cebu to shelter displaced residents.
The Philippines, one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, experiences an average of 20 significant earthquakes every year due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire.
