Philippines – A strong and shallow 6.9-magnitude earthquake hit central Philippines late Tuesday, killing at least 69 people and injuring over 140, authorities said. The quake, with an epicenter 19 km northeast of Bogo city in Cebu province, struck at a depth of 5 km at 9:59 p.m. local time.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr expressed condolences to victims’ families and assured survivors of swift assistance. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) briefly issued a tsunami warning, later lifted.

The quake caused widespread damage, including collapsed buildings, churches, and a sports complex. Residents panicked as power went out, and hospitals struggled to treat the injured. Rescue teams continue operations in landslide-hit mountain villages, where the death toll may rise.

The disaster follows a deadly storm in Cebu last Friday that killed 27 people. Authorities have called for medical volunteers and aid to support affected communities.

-DW