Deadly Philippines Quake Kills 69, Injures Hundreds As Hospitals Overflow

The death toll from the devastating earthquake that struck central Philippines has climbed to 69, with hundreds more injured as overwhelmed hospitals struggle to treat the influx of victims, officials confirmed on Wednesday.

The magnitude 6.9 quake hit late Tuesday near Bogo City in Cebu Province, toppling houses, schools, and shops while triggering landslides that cut off key roads. The shallow depth of the tremor intensified destruction, with rescue teams still searching for survivors under collapsed structures.

Authorities said at least 150 people sustained serious injuries, forcing hospitals to operate beyond capacity. Patients were treated in parking lots and makeshift tents as supplies of blood and medicine ran low. Thousands of residents have been displaced, taking shelter in evacuation camps.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the deployment of soldiers, police, and emergency workers to aid rescue operations and deliver relief materials. “We are doing everything possible to save lives and bring relief to the affected communities,” he said in a televised address.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) warned that strong aftershocks may continue for days. Officials fear the casualty figure could rise as communication remains down in some remote villages.

The Philippines, which sits on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” frequently suffers earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Tuesday’s tremor ranks among the deadliest in recent years, once again highlighting the country’s vulnerability to natural disasters.