A devastating 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck Cebu Island in the Philippines, leaving at least 26 people dead and 147 injured, according to local media.
The quake, which hit late Tuesday night, caused widespread destruction, triggering landslides, collapsing buildings, and plunging entire areas into darkness due to power outages.
In Bogo City, 13 people, including four children, lost their lives, while another four victims were reported in San Remigio. Landslides swept away homes in northern Cebu, while four bodies were recovered from a collapsed sports center and a child was crushed by debris elsewhere.
A viral video captured the moment of terror as motorists struggled to maintain balance on a swaying bridge, moving back and forth like a pendulum. The quake struck at 9:59 p.m. local time (4:59 p.m. Greek time), damaging schools, commercial buildings, and roads.
Rescue operations remain difficult due to continuing aftershocks and darkness. “I thought we would fall,” said nurse Agnes Mertza. “Neighbors ran outside, and two of my young assistants hid under a table, just as they were taught in scouts.”
Located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, the Philippines is highly prone to seismic and volcanic activity. Authorities warn of aftershocks and further landslides as emergency teams search through rubble to locate possible survivors.
