M6.9 quake hits Cebu, damages structures, prompts evacuations

A MAGNITUDE 6.9 earthquake struck near Bogo City, Cebu, on Tuesday evening at 9:59 p.m., sending tremors across the region and prompting evacuations.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported that the earthquake’s epicenter was located 17 km northeast of Bogo City, with a depth of 5 km. The quake was tectonic in origin, and aftershocks are expected.

The earthquake was felt with varying intensities across several provinces. Intensity V was experienced in Argao, Cebu; Sipalay City, Negros Occidental; Lapu-Lapu City, and Tacloban City.

Weaker intensities were felt in other areas of Cebu, Negros Occidental, Sorsogon, Capiz, Bohol, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, and Zamboanga del Norte.

As a precaution, patients and staff at the Cebu City Medical Center were evacuated. Cebu Governor Pam Baricuatro stated that tents would be deployed for the evacuees and urged the public to remain calm.

Netizens shared images of the Archdiocesan Shrine in Daanbantayan, Cebu, which suffered partial collapse due to the earthquake. In Lapu-Lapu City, Mayor Cindi King Chan announced the suspension of classes at all levels on Wednesday to allow for safety inspections of school buildings.