UPDATE

Philippines: Death toll rises to 60 as magnitude 6.9 earthquake hits, 600+ aftershocks recorded

At least 60 people killed in quake, more feared dead as 600+ aftershocks recorded

Last updated:
2 MIN READ
Workers carry a deceased person on a stretcher past bags containing the dead bodies of victims outside the provincial hospital in Bogo City on October 1, 2025, after a powerful 6.9 magnitude earthquake jolted the central Philippines, killing at least 31 people on the island of Cebu with fears the toll could rise.
Workers carry a deceased person on a stretcher past bags containing the dead bodies of victims outside the provincial hospital in Bogo City on October 1, 2025, after a powerful 6.9 magnitude earthquake jolted the central Philippines, killing at least 31 people on the island of Cebu with fears the toll could rise.
AFP

Manila: A powerful earthquake that struck central Philippine islands on Tuesday night has claimed 60 lives, up from an initial count of 27, with ongoing aftershocks (600+ recorded as of mid-day Wednesday) complicating rescue efforts.

"The situation is very fluid, definitely there are casualties, we've received reports of 119 injuries," a senior official told local media. "The number of casualties is about 60. We're still in the golden hour and priority is search and rescue," the official said.

Northern Cebu's Bogo was hardest-hit city, with multiple casualties, while the tremors were also felt in the at least 3 regions in the Asian country (Regions 6, 7 and 8).

Due to the series aftershocks, hospital staff were seen treating their patients in open areas.

"Resources will reach those who need them," an official of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) told local media, adding that the military and civilian resources had been mobilised to help in the search, rescue and disaster response.

Authorities are working closely with local government units to verify casualty figures. A mall in Cebu collapsed, and a McDonald's store was damaged during the magnitude 6.9 quake.

Several historic churches were reportedly damaged. Seismologists have revised the tremor's initial magnitude from 6.7 to 6.9.

In Bogo City, close to the epicentre, the earthquake was reported to have reached magnitude 7.

A hospital in Bogo, Cebu, is reportedly "overwhelmed" as search and rescue operations continue in affected areas, including Bogo City, Daanbantayan, and San Remigio.

Employees in a Cebu mall fled to safety when part of the structure collapsed during the earthquake.

"Golden hour," the critical 24-hour period with the highest survivability rate, remains the focus. "We will assess based on our ground commanders," the official added.

This handout photo courtesy of Facebook user Art Pelayo taken on September 30, 2025 and received on October 1, 2025 shows a damaged McDonald's branch in Bogo City, Cebu province, after a powerful 6.9 magnitude earthquake jolted the central Philippines, killing at least 31 people with fears the toll could rise.
Rescuers carry a bag containing a dead body retrieved from an indoor arena in San Remigio town, Cebu province, central Philippines, on October 1, 2025, after a powerful 6.9-magnitude earthquake jolted the central Philippines, collapsing buildings and killing at least 26 people.
The magnitude 6.7 earthquake that struck on Tuesday night damaged the Archdiocesan Shrine of Sta. Rosa de Lima in Cebu, in central Philippines. Damage to structures also reported.
Call center employees surf mobile phones as they gather outside their office building after earthquake tremors at Cebu in central Philippines on September 30, 2025.
An injured woman receiving treatment looks at bags containing the bodies of victims outside the provincial hospital in Bogo City on October 1, 2025, after a powerful 6.9 magnitude earthquake jolted the central Philippines, killing at least 31 people on the island of Cebu with fears the toll could rise.
The police and rescuers carry an injured person as they are brought to the hospital in Bogo City, Cebu province, central Philippines, on October 1, 2025, after a powerful 6.9-magnitude earthquake jolted the central Philippines, collapsing buildings and killing at least 19 people.
The police assist injured residents as they are brought to the hospital in Bogo City, Cebu province, central Philippines, on October 1, 2025, after a powerful 6.9-magnitude earthquake jolted the central Philippines, collapsing buildings and killing at least 19 people.
Call center employees surf mobile phones as they gather outside their office building after earthquake tremors at Cebu in central Philippines on September 30, 2025.
People gather on a street after earthquake tremors at Cebu in central Philippines on September 30, 2025.
A view of vehicles that were damaged by falling debris after an earthquake struck Cebu City, central Philippines.
Call center employees surf mobile phones as they gather outside their office building after earthquake tremors at Cebu in central Philippines on September 30, 2025.
The police and rescuers inspect the damage at an indoor arena in San Remigio town, Cebu province, central Philippines, on October 1, 2025, after a powerful 6.9-magnitude earthquake jolted the central Philippines, collapsing buildings and killing at least 26 people.

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