A powerful 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck the northern province of Cebu in the Philippines late Tuesday, September 30, 2025, resulting in at least 69 fatalities and widespread destruction across the region. The quake, which occurred at a shallow depth of five kilometers with an epicenter near Bogo city, has left at least 147 people injured and triggered a massive emergency response.

The earthquake, which was tectonic in origin, caused significant damage to buildings, homes, and public infrastructure. In the coastal city of Bogo, a landslide killed 14 people. In the nearby town of Medellin, 12 deaths were reported due to collapsing buildings. A basketball game in San Remigio turned tragic when falling walls claimed five lives, including three coast guard personnel and one firefighter who were in attendance.

In response to the extensive damage, Cebu governor Pam Baricuatro has declared a state of calamity for the entire province and suspended classes to ensure public safety. The municipality of San Remigio has also made a local declaration to expedite relief and rescue operations.

The quake led to widespread power and communication outages. The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines reported that 27 power plants tripped, placing the Visayas power grid under a yellow alert status. However, the agency confirmed that power had been restored shortly after midnight to Cebu and four other islands in the central Philippines.

Historic structures were not spared, with reports confirming that a 139-year-old church in the municipality of Daanbantayan was severely damaged. Rescue teams continue to work through the rubble, and officials have stated that the death toll is expected to rise.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has been actively monitoring the situation. The agency recorded an instrumental intensity of VII, the highest level, in several areas. While an initial tsunami advisory was issued, it was later cancelled as any sea-level disturbances had subsided. As of 4 a.m. on October 1, PHIVOLCS had recorded 379 aftershocks, with magnitudes ranging from 1.4 to 5.2.

Authorities are advising residents in affected areas to remain vigilant, stay away from damaged structures, and follow guidance from local disaster response agencies as the threat of aftershocks continues.