At least eight people died after a powerful 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck the central Philippines on Tuesday night, collapsing buildings on Cebu Island and cutting power across parts of the region.
Nighttime search in Bogo and San Remigio continues as aftershocks and outages slow rescue teams
The shallow quake hit at 9:50 pm local time off the northern end of Cebu near Bogo.
Local officials said three people on the outskirts of Bogo were killed when a landslide swept into their homes. Police in nearby San Remigio confirmed five more deaths.
Four bodies were pulled from a damaged sports centre, while a child was crushed by debris in another area of the town. Rescue teams worked through the night although darkness and repeated tremors slowed progress.
Authorities warned that people may still be trapped under collapsed structures, but the number of missing remains unclear.
Epicentre near Bogo triggers landslides and damages roads
The United States Geological Survey reported a shallow epicentre, which often causes stronger shaking at the surface.
It also recorded four aftershocks of magnitude five or higher following the initial tremor.
Several village roads suffered damage, complicating access for ambulances and heavy equipment. Emergency crews prioritised unstable buildings and hillside communities where land remained loose.
Residents were urged to avoid damaged homes until engineers complete rapid inspections.
Authorities appeal for medical volunteers while grid operator assesses power failures
The Cebu provincial government called for medical volunteers on its official channels to support first responders and local hospitals.
The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines reported that lines tripped during the quake, leading to widespread outages on Cebu and nearby central islands.
Crews began damage assessments overnight, with restoration plans to follow once safety checks are complete.
Officials asked the public to conserve phone batteries, follow verified advisories, and report hazards such as gas leaks or downed lines.
