The quake hit at 9.59pm local time, with the epicentre near Bogo Citycity on Cebu Island. Tragedy struck at the San Remigio sports complex where a basketball game was in full swing.
According to the Manila Bulletin, “multiple deaths” occurred as panicked spectators were trapped by falling debris fleeing the venue. A rescue official warned there could be Moremore people trapped under damaged buildings.
In a heartbreaking side incident, a child was killed in their sleep when debris collapsed on their home.
Widespread Damage and Aftershocks
The earthquake damaged buildings and roads, including a historic Stonestone Churchchurch and a McDonald’s in Cebu, which suffered smashed windows and ceiling damage. Power was knocked out in england/the-Towntown/”>england/the-town/”>the town of Daanbantayan.
A strong aftershock of magnitude 5.2 followed shortly after the initial quake.
“We felt the shake at our fire station. Lockers were moving side to side – it was strong,” said Cebu firefighter Joey Leeguid. “We felt dizzy but are all safe now.”
Terrified Locals Share Their Stories
Martham Pacilan, 25, recalls the terrifying moment in Bantayan town Squaresquare: “I heard a loud boom from the Churchchurch direction, then rocks fell. Luckily, no one was hurt. I was frozen, waiting for the shaking to stop.”
Agnes Merza, a carer, added: “The kitchen tiles cracked. It felt like we would all collapse. Neighbours ran outside, and my assistants hid under a table like they were taught.”
No Tsunami Threat, But Warnings Issued
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center confirmed there is no tsunami threat. However, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology warned of possible minor sea-level disturbances, further aftershocks, and damage.
Residents on Leyte, Cebu, and Biliran islands are urged to avoid coastal areas as a precaution.
Philippines on Edge in Earthquake Hotspot
The Philippines sits within the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire,’ a seismically active zone where earthquakes are frequent though mostly minor. Unfortunately, no technology exists to predict when a major quake will strike.
For the latest updates and eyewitness reports, stay tuned.
Originally published on UKNIP