Magnitude 6.9 Earthquake Strikes Central Philippines Killing 70, Injuring 150

A powerful magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck the central Philippines, particularly impacting Cebu and Negros provinces, resulting in at least 69 deaths and over 150 injuries. The quake, with its epicenter near the city of Bogo, caused widespread destruction including collapsed buildings, blocked roads, and landslides, overwhelming local hospitals and complicating rescue operations. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has deployed military and emergency units to support relief efforts, and officials have declared a state of calamity in some affected towns. Rescue teams, hampered by damaged infrastructure and intermittent heavy rain, continue to search for survivors amidst ongoing aftershocks. The disaster has drawn offers of international assistance, with the United Nations and countries like Japan pledging support. The Philippines, located in the Pacific "Ring of Fire," frequently experiences seismic activity, making this one of the deadliest recent quakes in the region.