Devastating Earthquake in the Philippines Claims 72 Lives, Over 290 Injured

A powerful magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck the central Philippines late Tuesday night, resulting in at least 72 fatalities and 294 injuries, according to the civil defense agency. The quake, which occurred at 9:59 p.m. local time on September 30, had its epicenter approximately 19 kilometers northeast offshore of Bogo City in Cebu Province. Its shallow depth of about 5 kilometers intensified the destruction, causing significant damage to infrastructure, including power lines, bridges, and historic buildings such as a century-old church.

The hardest-hit areas include Bogo City, Daanbantayan, Medellin, San Remigio, and Tabuelan. In San Remigio, a sports complex collapsed during a basketball game, resulting in multiple deaths. Rescue operations are ongoing, with authorities utilizing backhoes, sniffer dogs, and manual efforts to search for survivors amid the debris.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has recorded numerous aftershocks, with the strongest being a magnitude 5.2 event occurring shortly after the main quake. The agency continues to monitor the situation and has advised residents to remain vigilant due to the possibility of further aftershocks.

This earthquake is the deadliest to hit the Philippines since the 2013 Bohol earthquake, which had a magnitude of 7.2 and resulted in 222 fatalities. The Philippines' location along the Pacific "Ring of Fire" makes it particularly susceptible to seismic activity, experiencing over 800 earthquakes annually.

The Philippine government has mobilized relief efforts, with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assuring affected communities of assistance and expressing condolences to the victims' families. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has been placed on Red Alert, coordinating response efforts. Evacuations have been carried out in buildings, hospitals, and other critical facilities, while work and classes have been suspended as part of precautionary measures during ongoing damage assessments. Search, Rescue, and Retrieval (SRR) operations, along with debris clearing and further assessments, are actively underway.

The Philippine Air Force’s Tactical Operations Wing Central (TOWCEN) airlifted humanitarian assistance and disaster response personnel from the Army’s 53rd Engineer Brigade to Bogo City. Two S-70i Blackhawk helicopters from the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing were deployed for the rapid transport of responders. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) deployed BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701) to Cebu, carrying doctors, nurses, and other medical personnel with emergency equipment from Manila to aid earthquake-affected communities.

On October 1, 2025, the AHA Centre conveyed a letter of sympathy and offered assistance to the Philippines’ NDRRMC in support of emergency response efforts following the earthquake. The AHA Centre continues to closely monitor developments in coordination with NDRRMC-OCD and remains on standby should the Government of the Philippines welcome assistance from ASEAN.

The earthquake has had profound social and societal implications. The loss of life and injuries have deeply affected communities, particularly in the hardest-hit areas. The destruction of infrastructure, including power lines, bridges, and historic buildings, has disrupted daily life and economic activities. The collapse of a sports complex during a basketball game in San Remigio highlights the vulnerability of public structures during seismic events. The disaster has also compounded the trauma of residents who were still recovering from a tropical storm that struck just days earlier, resulting in 27 deaths.

As rescue and relief efforts continue, the resilience of the Filipino people is evident. The nation faces the challenge of rebuilding and strengthening its infrastructure to better withstand future seismic events. The government, along with international partners, is committed to supporting the affected communities through this difficult time.