Magnitude 6.9 Earthquake Strikes Northern Cebu

Recently, a significant earthquake measuring 6.9 on the Richter scale struck northern Cebu, leading to widespread devastation. As of October 6, 2025, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has reported a tragic death toll of 72, with additional counts still undergoing verification. Approximately 559 individuals sustained injuries, and fortunately, there have been no reported cases of missing persons, offering a modicum of solace in the midst of the turmoil.

The earthquake has affected an alarming 155,094 families, impacting over half a million individuals across 205 barangays in the Central Visayas region. Many of these families are currently housed in evacuation centers, underscoring the urgent nature of the situation. In response, the government has allocated more than P93.5 million in aid to assist those impacted in their recovery efforts.

The destruction encompasses not only personal losses but also significant infrastructural damage; thousands of residences have been rendered uninhabitable, with 3,802 homes completely destroyed and over 32,000 sustaining damage. Infrastructure such as roads and bridges has also suffered considerably, with repair costs estimated at P2.5 billion, complicating recovery efforts. Regions including Tabuelan, San Remegio, Medellin, Daan Bantayan, Bantayan Island, Bogo, Tabogon, and Borbon urgently require assistance.

As the community unites in the aftermath, emphasis must be placed on healing and reconstruction, transforming this calamity into an opportunity for resilience.