The death toll from a powerful 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck the central Philippines has climbed to 69, officials said Wednesday, as rescue teams rushed to search for survivors and restore vital services in the hardest-hit areas.

The shallow quake struck off the coast near Cebu province just before 10 p.m. on Tuesday, sending residents fleeing into the streets. In Bogo City, close to the epicenter, the local hospital has been “overwhelmed” by the number of injured, according to Civil Defense official Raffy Alejandro. More than 150 people have been reported hurt.

Survivors face shortages

San Remigio, another badly affected town, was placed under a state of calamity to speed up aid delivery. Vice Mayor Alfie Reynes appealed for food, water, and heavy equipment, warning that heavy rains, widespread blackouts, and damaged pipelines had left many evacuees without drinking water.

“It is raining heavily and there is no electricity so we really need help, especially in the northern part,” Reynes told DZMM radio.

Residents described terrifying scenes. Archel Coraza from Pilar said his family rushed into the street as their home shook violently. Living near the shoreline, he also witnessed seawater receding after the tremor.

Damage and response

Local media showed collapsed buildings, including a 100-year-old church. In San Remigio, several victims died when a sports complex partially collapsed during a basketball game.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr promised swift government assistance, deploying cabinet members to oversee relief operations. He extended condolences to families of the victims.

Despite the destruction, Mactan-Cebu International Airport, the country’s second busiest, remained operational.

Earthquake monitoring agencies recorded multiple aftershocks, the strongest measuring 6.0 in magnitude. Officials confirmed there was no tsunami threat.

Seismic risk

The Philippines sits on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a hotspot for earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The country has faced several recent quakes, including two in January and a 6.7-magnitude offshore tremor in 2023 that killed eight people.