Powerful Quake Kills Dozens In Philippines; Christians Speak Of Miracles Amid Misery
Key Facts
- A 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck Cebu province, killing at least 69 and injuring more than 140, with widespread building collapses and infrastructure damage.
- Hardest-hit areas include Bogo and San Remigio, where a sports complex collapse killed several victims, and towns have declared states of calamity.
- Amid devastation, survivors shared testimonies of faith, thanking God for protection, while aftershocks continue to rattle the region.
by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent
CABU CITY (Worthy News) – A magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck central Philippines late Tuesday killed scores of people, with its epicenter off the coast of Cebu province near Bogo City, but Christians also spoke of miracles and faith amid the misery.
Authorities confirmed the death toll had risen to at least 69 people, with more than 140 others injured. Officials said the quake was relatively shallow at about 10 kilometers (6 miles) depth, increasing the severity of the shaking at the surface.
The hardest-hit areas include Bogo and San Remigio in Cebu, where several buildings — including a sports complex — collapsed. Local hospitals were overwhelmed, while electricity and water supplies were severely disrupted.
Authorities declared states of calamity in several towns to accelerate relief efforts. San Remigio Mayor Mariano Martinez confirmed at least 11 deaths in his municipality, with victims as young as 12, warning the toll could rise. “Our first main problem is finding the casualties and identifying people who need help,” he told DZMM radio, adding that many homes were damaged.
COLLAPSED SPORTS COMPLEX
San Remigio Vice Mayor Alfie Reynes said among those killed were people playing basketball in a sports complex when it partially collapsed. She appealed for urgent aid.
“It is raining heavily and there is no electricity, so we really need help, especially in the northern part, because there’s a scarcity of water after supply lines were damaged by the earthquake,” Reynes said.
Local media posted videos of people rushing out of their homes as the ground shook and buildings collapsed, including a more than 100-year-old church.
“GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME”
Cebu, one of the Philippines’ most popular tourist destinations, is home to 3.4 million people. Amid the devastation, some survivors shared stories of survival and faith.
“Thanks God we’re safe. God is good all the time,” said Christian aid worker Merry Joy Osman in an interview with Worthy News. She works at a microcredit organization in Cebu City, supporting small entrepreneurs and impoverished families.
Osman recalled that as the ground started to move, she was just in time to take cover beneath a table in her office. “I later rushed home as my daughter, Ashley, was there.Thanks God she is safe too,” she added.“Thought we feel a bit difficult situation here but we’re safe,” the mother of one added.
AFTERSHOCKS CONTINUE
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said close to 800 aftershocks were recorded, including one with a magnitude the of 6. It warned more tremors are likely in coming days, although their strength should gradually diminish.
The shaking was felt as far south as Zamboanga del Norte, some 330 kilometers (205 miles) away. Despite the destruction, the Mactan-Cebu International Airport, the country’s second-busiest gateway, remained operational.
In the town of Pilar, resident Archel Coraza said his family was asleep when their house began to shake violently. “I woke them up and we all rushed outside into the street,” he told DZMM.
RING OF FIRE
The Philippines lies on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” where earthquakes and volcanic activity are common. The nation suffered two major earthquakes in January this year without casualties.
In 2023, however, a 6.7-magnitude offshore earthquake killed at least eight people.
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