Infrastructure damage and emergency response

A powerful 6.9-magnitude offshore earthquake struck near Cebu in the central Philippines late Tuesday, toppling buildings, cutting power and triggering frantic overnight rescues. Authorities reported dozens killed and many more injured as teams combed rubble in coastal towns, where older structures and informal housing were hit hardest. Ferry terminals and local airports conducted safety checks as aftershocks rattled nerves. Schools suspended classes and emergency shelters filled quickly as families sought food, water and cellphone charging. Officials warned that unstable debris and sporadic landslides could complicate access to isolated communities.

Economic impact and relief operations

The national disaster agency said engineers are assessing bridges and roads critical to moving aid. Power utilities and telecom operators began staged restorations, prioritizing hospitals and command centers. Insurance assessors anticipated heavy claims from commercial districts where masonry cracked and merchandise was destroyed. International partners signaled readiness to support with urban search-and-rescue teams and water-purification capacity. The quake revived debate over retrofitting standards in rapidly growing secondary cities, where construction booms have outpaced enforcement. Authorities urged residents to prepare for continuing aftershocks while avoiding rumor-driven panic.