The death toll from the 6.9 magnitude earthquake that struck Cebu before 10 p.m. last night continues to rise, and officials said the number could still go up as rescue operations are ongoing.
Residents in several parts of Cebu are still feeling aftershocks this morning, especially in Bogo City, where another magnitude 4 quake reportedly hit shortly after 7 a.m.
Based on the latest count from the Cebu Provincial Information Office, 27 people have died, most of them from Bogo City.
A report from Cebu Daily News said at least nine of the fatalities came from Bogo City, which was the epicenter of the earthquake. The casualties also included three personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard, a firefighter, and a child.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported that residents felt as many as 282 aftershocks after the strong quake hit Bogo.
Cebu Governor Pam Baricuatro said their disaster and emergency teams are now assessing the situation and responding to affected areas. She appealed to the public for calm.
“A strong earthquake has just struck Cebu. I urge everyone to remain calm and prioritize safety. Please move to open areas, stay away from walls or structures that may collapse, and stay alert for possible aftershocks,” she said.
She also asked residents to send them photos and videos of damaged areas to help them identify where to send assistance.
