Philippines counts rising death toll after 6.9-magnitude earthquake

At least 69 people have died after a strong 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of the Philippines late Tuesday. Officials say the number could increase as rescue teams keep searching. This is one of the region’s most powerful quakes in a decade, according to Reuters.

The earthquake was shallow, about 10 kilometers deep, and caused widespread panic. It knocked out power, damaged buildings and caused several collapses. Over 150 people were injured, and officials are still checking how many are missing.

Hospitals near the epicenter, such as those in Bogo City, struggled to handle the large number of injured people. The Philippine Coast Guard dispatched medical teams, and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. pledged swift relief, deploying top officials to oversee the emergency response.

Officials reported that towns near the epicenter suffered significant damage. In San Remigio, at least 11 people died, including children as young as 12. Some were killed when a sports complex collapsed during a basketball game. The vice mayor requested food, clean water and equipment to support rescue teams, as broken pipelines and adverse weather conditions have disrupted water and power supplies.

Authorities reported nearly 800 aftershocks, with one reaching magnitude 6. There was no tsunami warning, but people felt the shaking up to 330 kilometers away. The Philippines sits on the Pacific «Ring of Fire,» making it highly prone to earthquakes and volcanic activity. The nation has already experienced several major tremors this year, although none have resulted in casualties until now.