KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 1 (KUNA) -- A strong earthquake measuring 6.9 on the Richter scale struck Cebu Province in the central Philippines on Tuesday evening, killing at least 61 people and injuring dozens more, according to local authorities.
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office said in a statement on Wednesday that the epicenter was located in Bogo City, in the northern part of Cebu. Authorities are continuing to assess the extent of the damage while rescue and relief operations remain underway, with support from government agencies and volunteers.
The Philippine Office of Civil Defense warned in a separate statement that the death toll could rise as search and rescue operations continue, describing the current period as the "golden hour" when rapid emergency response can save more lives.
The Cebu provincial government has declared a "state of calamity" across the province, enabling the release of emergency funds and faster disaster response measures. Classes in most schools have been suspended as a precautionary step to ensure students' safety.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported that the earthquake damaged at least 22 buildings, six roads, and bridges. Numerous homes, establishments, and even churches were destroyed by the violent tremor, which was felt widely across the province.
The Philippines frequently experiences earthquakes as it lies along the Pacific "Ring of Fire," a seismically active region where several tectonic plates meet, making the country highly prone to earthquakes and volcanic activity. (end) aab.dss