A powerful 6.7 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Bogo City, Cebu, on Tuesday night, sending residents across the entire Visayas region rushing out of their homes in fear.
The terrifying tremor occurred at 9:59 p.m. on September 30, with its epicentre located just 17 kilometres northeast of Bogo City. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported that the quake was recorded at a very shallow depth of 10 kilometres, a factor which critically intensified the shaking felt in nearby provinces and across the central Philippines.
Heritage Sites Devastated: Damage to Iconic Churches
The intensity of the tremor has tragically resulted in significant damage to several cultural landmarks and heritage sites across northern Cebu.
- Archdiocesan Shrine of Santa Rosa de Lima: The historic shrine in Daanbantayan has allegedly sustained considerable damage, with parishioners reporting a partial collapse via social media.
- Parroquia de San Pedro Apostol Bantayan: In Bantayan Island, footage shared by local residents documented the severe swaying of the heritage church. The video captured lights and sections of the church's outside facade disintegrating during the powerful 6.7 magnitude earthquake.
Seismic Intensity Levels and Aftershock Warnings
PHIVOLCS recorded the most significant shaking in nearby Cebu and Leyte provinces.
- Instrumental Intensity VI: This level was recorded in Cebu City and Villaba, Leyte, which is considered strong enough to rattle buildings and dislodge unsecured objects.
- Instrumental Intensity III: Shaking of this magnitude was reported in San Fernando, Cebu.
- Instrumental Intensity II: This lower level was reported in Laoang, Northern Samar.
Authorities have issued a strong warning that aftershocks are expected in the coming days, urging residents across the affected regions to remain vigilant and prepared for further tremors.
Class Suspensions Bring Cities to a Standstill
In the wake of the 6.7 magnitude earthquake, numerous cities across the affected region have announced the suspension of classes.
- Class Suspensions: All classes in Lapu-Lapu City and Talisay City are postponed on Wednesday, October 1, due to the magnitude 6.7 earthquake.
- Affected Cities: Mandaue City has also announced class suspensions due to the earthquake, alongside the municipalities of Minglanilla and Consolacion.
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