Manila, Philippines – At least 69 people died as a result of a strong earthquake that struck the center of the country, Philippine officials said on Wednesday.
Which led to the collapse of buildings, power outages, and residents fleeing to the streets.
The Philippines’ National Disaster Management Agency said that more than 140 people were injured in the earthquake, which measured 6.9 on the Richter scale, and struck the central Cebu province and neighboring provinces yesterday evening, Tuesday.
Bernardo Rafaelto Alejandro, deputy director of the Civil Defense Office, said most of the deaths occurred as a result of falling debris.
He added that search and rescue operations are a priority, especially in the city of Bogo, the epicenter of the earthquake.
He noted that “there are still aftershocks, and many refuse to return to their homes, especially in the city of Bogo”.
The Regional Office for Disaster Risk Reduction said that among the victims were 30 people in the city of Bogo in Cebu province.
A landslide caused by the earthquake occurred, burying homes.
The Office of Disaster Management said 22 people died in the town of San Remigio.
The Philippine Institute for Monitoring Volcanic Activity and Earthquakes recorded more than 600 aftershocks, the strongest of which measured 4.8 on the Richter scale.
