Magnitude 6.9 quake hits Cebu

CEBU, Philippines— A magnitude 6.9 earthquake rattled residents in Cebu on Tuesday night, 30 September.   

“My children were already asleep when the earthquake struck. I woke them up for us to go outside and get them to safety. I was starting to feel nervous because the tremor was taking longer than I expected, and some of our belongings at home were crashing to the floor. Some were breaking,” said World Vision Program Officer Mike Manatad who’s based in Sogod, Cebu. 

He added, “There’s also a power outage in our area, and some residents living near the coastal area were advised to evacuate. Our community leaders also felt afraid. Most of them are outside their houses due to aftershocks. So far, we did not receive reports that the children and their families were hurt or that their houses were affected” 

Several infrastructures have been reportedly damaged, and aftershocks are expected. Assessment and rescue operations are ongoing according to the local government. 

The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS) stated that the quake’s epicenter was located 17 kilometers north-northeast of the City of Bogo, at a depth of 10 kilometers. PHIVOLCS has already issued a tsunami advisory minor sea level disturbance.  

“Our Area Programme in North Cebu is heavily impacted. We’ve already alerted our colleagues in the Visayas, and have advised everyone to take necessary precautions, especially those in tall buildings or weak structures,” said World Vision Operations Manager for Visayas, Bonifacio Calapan. 

He added, “Almost 80% of our staff in Visayas have confirmed they are safe. Some have yet to check in due to power outages caused by the quake. We are also actively monitoring the situation of the children and their families in the area. Let us pray that everyone is safe especially our children and their families.”  

Meanwhile, classes are suspended in several areas in Cebu and nearby areas in the Visayas. 

Your support can provide shelter, clean water, and comfort to children and families affected by the Cebu earthquake. Donate today at www.worldvision.org.ph .