Death toll in Cebu magnitude 6.9 earthquake reaches 71, NDRRMC says

• Death toll from the Cebu earthquake has climbed to 72, with nearly 300 people injured
• Affected families reached more than 47,000, while 20,000 individuals lost their homes
• Aftershocks continue, with PHIVOLCS warning they may last for weeks
• Authorities urge the public to avoid unsafe houses until cleared by engineers

The number of people who died after the strong earthquake in Cebu has risen to 72, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

The agency said the count is still under validation.

Office of Civil Defense Region 7 Director Joel Erestain reported that three more deaths were confirmed overnight.

He added that more than 200 people were injured. Based on NDRRMC’s records, the total number of injured reached 294. Erestain said they hope the death toll will not rise further.

No missing persons have been reported so far, but search and clearing of debris continue.

The magnitude 6.9 quake struck Bogo City, Cebu on Tuesday. It affected 47,221 families or 170,959 individuals. At least 20,000 people were left homeless.

Aftershocks are still being felt across the province. PHIVOLCS said the aftershocks range from magnitude 1.0 to 5.0, with only 14 being felt strongly.

The strongest aftershock was recorded at magnitude 5 on Wednesday night at 10:46 p.m.

PHIVOLCS Director Teresito Bacolcol explained that aftershocks may continue for days or even weeks, but they will lessen in number and strength over time.

Authorities advised residents not to return to damaged houses until declared safe.

Bacolcol reminded the public to seek advice from city or municipal engineers if they see cracks or visible damage. He warned that weak structures could collapse during a strong aftershock.

PHIVOLCS confirmed that the 6.9 quake in Bogo City was the strongest recorded in northern Cebu. It was caused by an offshore fault at a depth of five kilometers and reached Intensity VII in several towns.

Watch the report in the video below:

News, photos, or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, this could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable.

In a previous report by KAMI, a magnitude 6.9 quake struck off Bogo City at 9:59 p.m., upgraded from initial 6.7, according to Phivolcs. Death toll rose to 35, with 30 in Bogo City and 5 in San Remigio, including a 10-year-old boy. Sports complex collapsed during a basketball game, killing Coast Guard and BFP members; rescuers still searching. Classes suspended and safety checks ordered, as Cebu faces power outages, communication cuts, and aftershock warnings.

In another viral local report, a 51-year-old public school teacher in Las Piñas City was stabbed multiple times by her own husband. According to the report of EJ Gomez in 'Unang Balita,' the 38-year-old suspect committed the crime inside the school's faculty room. Police authorities said the school has a security guard, but, being a familiar face in the school, the suspect managed to easily get in and out of the school. The suspect said he was there to talk to his wife and settle their misunderstanding, but unfortunately, it led to a big arguement.

Source: KAMI.com.gh