At least 26 killed, many injured as 6.9 earthquake hits Philippines

Manila: A 6.9 magnitude earthquake has caused devastation in the central coastal region of the Philippines.

According to a foreign news agency, the earthquake caused the collapse of a sports complex during a basketball match, killing 26 people and injuring many others, and more deaths are feared.

According to the US Geological Survey, the earthquake struck at 10:00pm local time. The depth of the earthquake was 10 kilometers, while the epicenter was 17 kilometers northeast of Bogo city.

According to the news agency, a child is among the dead. Rescue operations are underway, residential buildings have collapsed, and educational institutions have been severely affected.

According to reports, several aftershocks were also felt in the central coastal region after the earthquake, and people came out of their homes in fear.

Citing officials from Cebu City, Philippines, the American newspaper reported that the earthquake caused the collapse of four buildings, damaged three government buildings, and severely damaged six bridges and a road in the affected area.

Authorities declared a state of emergency in Cebu and announced the closure of schools and government offices today.

According to reports, operations are underway to rescue people buried under the rubble, and heavy machinery has been dispatched from other areas to remove the debris.

According to a disaster management official, power and communication services have been disrupted in some areas, which is causing difficulties in relief activities. It has been advised to send water, medicine, and other essential supplies to the earthquake-affected areas.