The center of the Philippines has suffered an earthquake of magnitude 6.9 that has caused at least 32 dead and 37 injured, according to the latest official data. The epicenter has been located in the sea between the islands of Cebu and Leyte and has hit the central baseline region shortly before 22.00 local time (14.00 GMT).
Local authorities have confirmed that the city of Bogo, one of the closest to the epicenter, has concentrated the largest number of victims, with 27 deaths, while five other people have died in the neighboring town of San Remigio. Among the victims are three members of the Coast Guard and a firefighter, who have lost their lives after collapsing the roof of a sports complex where they played a basketball match.
The Institute of Volcanology and Seismology of the Philippines (Phivolcs) has reported that the hypochentro has been located just ten kilometers deep and has described the earthquake as “high intensity”, especially in the provinces of San Fernando and Cebú. The agency has immediately activated a tsunami alert due to unusual waves, which has retired hours later.
Damage to historical buildings and cuts of light
The impact of the earthquake has spread beyond the balance of victims. At least 22 buildings have collapsed in different parts of the region, while several bridges and roads have been damaged. On the island of Bantayan, a school has collapsed completely. Historical temples have also been affected: the church of Santa Rosa de Lima, in Daanbantayan, has lost part of its facade, and that of San Pedro Apostle, in Bantayan, has partially collapsed.
Electricity cuts have complicated the night evacuation of thousands of residents. The Philippines Department of Energy has reported the interruption of 27 electric plants in the central region and has admitted that another 16 had already stopped working before the earthquake. The provincial governor, Pam Baricuatro, has reported on social networks that infrastructure damage is “considerable” and has asked the population to remain calm.
The magnitude of the disaster has occurred just a few days after Typhoon Bualoi has hit the archipelago, leaving 14 dead and more than 350,000 evacuated. Philippines is found in the so -called Pacific Fire Ring, one of the most active seismic areas on the planet, where around 7,000 earthquakes are recorded a year. In January, two others – of magnitudes 6.1 and 5.8 – have affected the south and center of the country and have already caused serious damage to homes and roads.
