"Philippines” declares “State of Calamity” following powerful 6.9-magnitude earthquake

This photo shows the damage which occurred from the severe earthquake in Cebu province./ Photo: AP News

On 30th September 2025, at 9:59 PM local time, a 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck central Philippines, resulting in at least 69 deaths and over 150 injuries.

The epicenter was located approximately 12 kilometers from the city of Bogo, Cebu province, and at a shallow depth of only 10 kilometers, causing strong tremors felt by more than 500,000 people. Following the earthquake, more than 379 aftershocks were recorded.

Shortly after the earthquake, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) issued a tsunami warning for the provinces of Leyte, Biliran, and Cebu. However, in the morning of 1st October 2025, the agency lifted the warning, citing no unusual wave activity.

On 1st October 2025, local government authorities declared parts of Cebu province as “state of calamity” due to the severity of the earthquake, which caused widespread damage to buildings, and cut a province-wide power outage, including nearby islands.

Bogo City was the hardest-hit area, with over 20 reported deaths, including four children. Residential houses and commercial buildings suffered extensive damage.

The ancient church in Cebu which was damaged by the latest severe earthquake./ Photo: Cebu Daily News

One of the most emotionally and culturally significant impacts was the destruction of historic churches and heritage sites, such as the collapse of the ancient church on Bantayan Island and other old churches in Daanbantayan. The governor of Cebu shared a statement on his personal Facebook page saying, "The current situation in Daanbantayan highlights the severe impact of the earthquake on heritage structures, which form part of Cebu’s rich cultural and spiritual identity."

Source: Al Jazeer

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Source of material: official media /online news