Death Toll Rises to 72 in Magnitude 6.9 Earthquake in Cebu

death toll cebu earthquake rises to 72

CEBU, PHILIPPINES – A powerful magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck the northern part of Cebu on Tuesday evening, September 30, causing alarm across the region.

UPDATE: October 2, 2025 – At least 72 people have died and nearly 20,000 are displaced after a magnitude-6.9 earthquake struck northern Cebu, with Bogo City among the worst hit. Rescue operations officially ended Thursday, with authorities confirming no one remains missing. Almost 300 people were injured, while thousands now live in makeshift shelters, fearful of aftershocks.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. visited Bogo and pledged P180 million in aid — P50 million for Cebu province and P20 million each for the hardest-hit towns of Bogo, Sogod, and San Remigio. Engineers continue inspecting schools and hospitals, some of which are deemed unsafe. Officials stress the urgent need for temporary housing as recovery efforts begin.

Initial Report Details

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported that the tremor occurred at 9:59 PM. The quake’s epicenter was located in Bogo, Cebu, and was tectonic in origin. According to the initial bulletin, it had a shallow depth of only 10 kilometers, which can contribute to more intense shaking at the surface.

Damage and Aftershocks Expected

Authorities have advised the public to remain vigilant as both damage and aftershocks are expected following the significant seismic event. Phivolcs is continuing to monitor the situation and will provide further updates as more information becomes available.

Here are posts on social media showing the damage cost by this devastating earthquake. Residents are sharing heartbreaking images and videos of collapsed buildings, damaged roads, and displaced families. The community is rallying together to provide support, but the scale of destruction is overwhelming. Relief efforts are urgently needed to help those affected rebuild their lives.

cebu hit by earthquake magnitude 6.7