6.9-Magnitude Earthquake Kills 27, Injures 140 in Cebu, Philippines

A powerful 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Cebu late Tuesday at a shallow depth of about 10 km, producing numerous strong aftershocks and widespread shaking across Cebu province and the central Visayas. Official casualty figures varied as rescue operations continued, with reports ranging up to at least 27 dead — including children and an emergency responder — and roughly 140 people injured. The quake caused major structural damage, collapsing buildings such as the 140-year-old Archdiocesan Shrine of Santa Rosa de Lima and damaging government buildings, bridges and roads in hard-hit towns including San Remigio and Bogo, and left many areas without power. Local authorities mobilized trauma teams and search-and-rescue crews, distributed water and medicine, ordered road-clearing and considered declaring states of calamity to speed aid. Residents were urged to move to open areas and stay alert for aftershocks; the U.S. NOAA reported no tsunami threat while local agencies warned of possible minor sea disturbances.