The death toll from the powerful 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck Cebu province on Tuesday night, September 30, has climbed to 26, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
A total of 147 individuals were also reported injured.
Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) Deputy Spokesperson Diego Mariano stated that assessments are ongoing in quake-hit areas, with reports of fatalities still subject to verification.
The earthquake struck at approximately 9:59 PM, with its epicenter located 17 kilometers northeast of Bogo City.
It originated at a depth of 10 kilometers and was classified as tectonic in nature.
The strongest ground shaking, recorded at Intensity IV, was felt in Cebu City and Villaba, Leyte.
Eight infrastructures sustained damage, including the partial collapse of the Archdiocesan Shrine of Santa Rosa De Lima, a cultural heritage site in Daanbantayan.
Roads in several areas developed cracks, while eight locations experienced power outages.
Communication lines were also disrupted in Daanbantayan, Bogo, and San Remigio.