2025 Cebu Earthquake

The Cebu Earthquake was a magnitude 6.9 tremor that occurred on 30 September 2025 in the central region of the Philippines. The epicenter was recorded north of Cebu Island, off the coast of the town of Bogo. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported the earthquake’s magnitude as 6.9. The focal depth was measured between 5 and 10 kilometers.

The earthquake occurred at 21:59 local time. The shaking was felt not only in Cebu but also in neighboring provinces such as Leyte and Biliran.

Deaths and Injuries

Initially, the number of fatalities was reported as 26; this figure was later confirmed as 69 in subsequent hours. The number of injured was estimated to be between 140 and 150. As of 2 October, the death toll had risen to 72.

The highest number of fatalities occurred in the town of Bogo, where between 13 and 27 deaths were recorded. At least seven people died in the town of San Remigio, including individuals playing basketball inside a sports complex when it collapsed, as well as beach safety and fire department personnel. Fatalities were also reported in the towns of Medellin and Tabuelan. Several children were among those who lost their lives in the earthquake. The collapse of St. Peter and Paul Church on Bantayan Island contributed to the loss of life.

Effects of the Earthquake

The earthquake caused widespread damage across many areas of Cebu province. A hospital in Bogo sustained damage, and patients were moved outdoors for treatment. The collapse of sports complexes in San Remigio resulted in the deaths of basketball players inside. St. Peter and Paul Church on Bantayan Island and the Santa Rosa de Lima Shrine in Daanbantayan were partially destroyed.

In addition to structural damage, power outages occurred in several towns north of Cebu. Damage to water pipelines led to drinking water shortages, particularly in San Remigio and northern areas.

A building belonging to a fast-food chain partially collapsed, and numerous homes were damaged. Significant cracks appeared in sections of roads. Schools in the cities of Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue, Talisay, Minglanilla, Consolacion, and Liloan in Cebu province were closed for one day.

Aftershocks and Tsunami Risk

Following the earthquake, numerous aftershocks were recorded in the region, some exceeding magnitude 5.0. The strongest aftershock was reported at magnitude 6.0.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) issued a warning that minor sea level changes could occur along the coasts of Cebu, Leyte, and Biliran. In some coastal areas, the sea was observed to recede.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center and PHIVOLCS announced that there was no significant tsunami threat following the earthquake. Nevertheless, authorities called on residents in coastal areas to remain cautious and stay away from the sea.

Search and Rescue Operations

Extensive search and rescue operations were launched following the earthquake. Military units, police forces, fire brigades, volunteers, heavy machinery, and search and rescue dogs were deployed to the area. Teams conducted door-to-door searches in an effort to reach people trapped under rubble.

The Cebu provincial government issued a call through its official social media channels for medical volunteers. Due to the overload of hospital capacity in Bogo, patients and injured persons were evacuated, and emergency medical interventions were carried out in temporary outdoor setups.

Declaration of State of Calamity and Official Statements

Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro announced that a “state of calamity” had been declared in the areas affected by the earthquake. The governor stated that she had contacted the central government and requested emergency assistance. She also noted that homes, a hospital, and various public buildings had sustained damage, and that trauma teams and medical personnel had been dispatched to treat the injured.

Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced that the government would provide rapid assistance. The president confirmed that cabinet members were on the ground overseeing relief operations and offered condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.

San Remigio Vice Mayor Alfie Reynes emphasized the severe shortage of drinking water caused by power outages, heavy rainfall, and damaged water lines, particularly in northern areas. He called for urgent food and water aid as well as heavy machinery to support recovery efforts.