Death toll from 6.9-magnitude quake in central Philippines rises to 69

The death toll from a powerful 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck the central Philippines has climbed to 69, authorities confirmed on Wednesday, as rescuers continued frantic efforts to locate survivors trapped beneath rubble.

The shallow quake hit late Tuesday off the coast of Cebu island, one of the country’s major population centers, making it among the strongest seismic events the Philippines has endured in a decade.

The tremor cut electricity across several towns, damaged buildings, and sent panicked residents rushing into the streets.

“Search and rescue operations are ongoing in multiple affected areas,” a disaster official said, noting that the number of missing persons had not yet been determined.

Emergency crews, backed by military units, have been deployed to clear debris and provide aid to families displaced by the quake.

Authorities reported that hospitals in Cebu and surrounding provinces were treating dozens of injured, while local governments have set up temporary shelters for residents whose homes were destroyed or deemed unsafe.

The Philippines, which sits on the geologically active Pacific “Ring of Fire,” is regularly struck by earthquakes. Experts warned of possible aftershocks in the coming days and urged residents to remain alert.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed condolences to the victims’ families and vowed swift government assistance.

“We will do everything possible to ensure those affected receive immediate relief and support,” he said in a televised statement.

As night fell Tuesday, rescuers continued to dig through collapsed structures under the threat of further tremors, holding out hope that more survivors could still be found.