Death Toll from Philippines Earthquake Climbs to 72, Nearly 300 Injured
At least 72 people have died and thousands displaced following a powerful earthquake in Cebu, Philippines, as authorities continue emergency operations.
Rescue and medical teams operate in Cebu after the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck central Philippines. Photo: @gmanews
October 2, 2025 Hour: 12:59 am
A 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck the northern part of Cebu Island in the central Philippines on Tuesday night has killed at least 72 people and left close to 300 injured, according to updated figures released Thursday by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.
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The quake has affected more than 171,000 people, with about 20,000 displaced from their homes. Bogo City, located near the epicenter, reported 30 fatalities, while the nearby town of San Remigio registered 22.
Infrastructure damage is widespread, with some 600 houses destroyed or heavily damaged, along with hospitals, churches, local government buildings, roads, and at least ten bridges. The government has mobilized military units and coast guard teams to assist in emergency operations. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is scheduled to visit the disaster zone later on Thursday.
At the provincial hospital in Bogo, which sustained visible cracks and structural damage, staff are preparing for a worsening situation. “At this moment, after a disaster, it is very rare that we receive survivors. We are preparing to receive bodies. We are preparing a room and we have bags for the corpses. It is something that is not easy to say, but something we are facing,” said hospital director Zoraida Urango.
Dozens of patients have been relocated outdoors under temporary tents, many still receiving intravenous treatment. “We are waiting for the Department of Public Works to finish assessing the strength of the building so we can return and [the patients] can be more comfortable, as the heat will increase,” Urango explained.
The Philippines sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the world’s most active seismic regions. The country experiences around 7,000 earthquakes annually, most of them moderate. Earlier this year, tremors measuring 6.1 and 5.8 hit the south and center of the archipelago, causing damage to homes, schools, and transport routes.
Author: MK
Source: EFE - Al Jazzera
