A strong earthquake measuring 6.9 hit the Philippines late Tuesday night, knocking down buildings and killing at least five people. The quake struck just before 10 pm local time near the northern part of Cebu Island, where over three million people live. Scientists from the United States Geological Survey said the quake happened 10 kilometres below ground and many smaller quakes followed during the night.
The earthquake occurred off the coast of Cebu City, cutting off power and shattering buildings around the city. Workers who were recovering bodies continued to search throughout the night, and authorities predict more corpses will turn up as they sift through debris from flattened buildings. Local officials in San Remigio issued an emergency because they said so much was destroyed and damaged.
Officials Say No Tsunami Coming
Breaking News: Two teams that observe ocean waves, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, both stated that no hazardous waves would come after they observed the ocean for two hours. The Philippine team initially warned of a potential wave but then stated Never mind, stating any slight variation in ocean level had already occurred and passed. The Philippines is located in a region referred to as the Pacific Ring of Fire, where earthquakes and volcanoes occur frequently.
Cebu City is located in the middle islands known as Visayas and boasts almost one million residents. The entire Cebu island has over three million residents who all experienced the ground shaking vigorously. Minor earthquakes continued to shake things all night long, so officials instructed everyone to remain on standby in case they must flee for safety.
No School or Work Until Further Notice
Local government officials in San Remigio informed everyone no school and no work until they determine when it will be safe because the ground continues to shake, and they want everyone to be safe. Officials instructed people to remain prepared and take safety measures, particularly if they need to immediately evacuate their homes. All schools and businesses located in affected areas will remain closed while government employees inspect how severely things got damaged and whether structures may collapse.
The governor of Cebu province, Pam Baricuartro, uploaded a video reporting that she sent out machinery to clear obstructed roads and aid people in being rescued. She reported they reserved emergency items such as food and medicine to distribute to people once trucks can pass through the roads. Rescue responders continued working all night for individuals who could be trapped and clearing broken concrete and wood from fallen buildings.
News At Glance
- A powerful 6.9 earthquake, 10 km deep, killed five individuals in the Philippines
- An earthquake off the coast of Cebu Island, with a population of three million, toppled structures and severed power
- The wave alert was revoked after observing the ocean for two hours revealed no threat
- All schools and work are closed with no reopening date, while smaller earthquakes persist
FAQs
1. When did this earthquake occur?
Late Tuesday evening, just prior to 10 pm Philippine time.
2. How powerful was this quake?
It was 6.9 and occurred 10 kilometres beneath the ground.
3. Was it a large wave that crashed on the coast?
No, warnings were cancelled after viewing that no wave would arrive.
4. How many died?
At least five are dead, possibly more are still trapped in debris.
5. Can children attend school now?
No, all schools and businesses are closed until the government declares it safe.
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