A 6.9 Earthquake Hits Central Philippines

A powerful 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck the central Philippines on the night of 30 September 2025, leaving behind collapsed buildings, widespread power outages, and urgent rescue operations.

The tremor hit at 9:59 pm local time (13:59 GMT) just off the northern tip of Cebu, according to the US Geological Survey. Initial reports listed the quake at magnitude 7.0 before it was revised to 6.9. Within hours, the region was rocked by at least four strong aftershocks measuring 5.0 or higher, intensifying fears of further destruction.

The earthquake caused significant structural damage across Cebu and nearby islands. In northern Cebu, a public building and a gym collapsed, with authorities fearing that people could be trapped inside. In San Remigio and Bogo, a city of about 90,000 residents near the quake’s epicenter, rescue teams rushed to reach those caught beneath debris. On Bantayan Island, a commercial building and a school also gave way under the quake’s force, while village roads suffered heavy damage.

The disaster triggered massive power disruptions after transmission lines tripped, plunging communities into darkness. The provincial government urged residents to remain calm, move to open spaces, and stay away from walls or unstable structures. Authorities also warned the public to brace for more aftershocks, which are expected to continue in the coming days.

Witness accounts painted a picture of panic and chaos as the quake hit. A resident of Bantayan described hearing a booming noise and seeing rocks falling from buildings, leaving them in shock. In San Fernando, a local fire station reported lockers sliding across the floor and team members feeling dizzy as the ground shook violently. For rescuers, the night was made even more challenging by power cuts and the persistent tremors that hampered access to damaged buildings.

Although the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center confirmed there was no major tsunami threat, seismologists issued a cautionary advisory for possible minor sea-level disturbances. Residents in Leyte, Cebu, and Biliran were urged to stay away from the coastlines until the risk passed. Experts stressed that the Philippines, sitting squarely on the Pacific Ring of Fire, is highly vulnerable to such earthquakes. While many quakes in the region are too small to be felt, destructive ones like this can strike without warning.

Authorities are now conducting extensive damage assessments and working with the National Grid to restore power. Rescue operations continue in the hardest-hit towns, with emergency workers racing against time to reach anyone still trapped beneath collapsed structures. As the region remains on high alert, the earthquake has once again highlighted the urgent need for stronger disaster preparedness and more resilient infrastructure in one of the world’s most seismically active regions.