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Major earthquake strikes Cebu in the Philippines: September 30, 2025
Quote from volcanol on 2 October 2025, 8 h 45 minOn the night of September 30, 2025, at 9:59 p.m. local time (1:59 p.m. UTC), a powerful 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Cebu province in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines. The epicenter was located near Daanbantayan, at sea, at an estimated depth of around 10 km—making it a “shallow” earthquake and therefore particularly destructive in nearby areas.
Authorities reported extensive damage, including collapsed buildings, destruction of historic buildings (including century-old churches), power outages, and disruption to essential infrastructure.
Human toll and damage
At the time of the latest reports, 72 people had died in the earthquake and 294 injuries had been reported, all in the Central Visayas region. The death toll was previously estimated at 69, but has been revised upwards.
The most affected areas are Bogo City (Cebu province) and the municipalities of San Remigio, Medellin, and others in the surrounding area. In Bogo, the hospital quickly became overwhelmed with patients arriving after buildings collapsed and injuries caused by aftershocks.
There were also casualties in neighboring municipalities when structures collapsed or sections of land gave way, including the roof of a sports complex during a basketball game.
Behavior and aftershocks
Since the main earthquake, hundreds, if not thousands, of aftershocks have been recorded in the affected area, some of which have been felt by local populations. The strongest reported aftershock reached a magnitude of 5.2, according to available measurements.
Geological causes and seismic context
The Philippines is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, which exposes it to regular earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and related disasters.
In the case of the Cebu earthquake, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) identified that the tremor originated from a previously inactive underwater fault, which had not shown any significant movement for around 400 years. Some experts suggest that tectonic stresses may have been building since the Leyte earthquake in 2017.
According to historical data, this tremor is one of the most powerful ever recorded in northern Cebu.
On the night of September 30, 2025, at 9:59 p.m. local time (1:59 p.m. UTC), a powerful 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Cebu province in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines. The epicenter was located near Daanbantayan, at sea, at an estimated depth of around 10 km—making it a “shallow” earthquake and therefore particularly destructive in nearby areas.
Authorities reported extensive damage, including collapsed buildings, destruction of historic buildings (including century-old churches), power outages, and disruption to essential infrastructure.
Human toll and damage
At the time of the latest reports, 72 people had died in the earthquake and 294 injuries had been reported, all in the Central Visayas region. The death toll was previously estimated at 69, but has been revised upwards.
The most affected areas are Bogo City (Cebu province) and the municipalities of San Remigio, Medellin, and others in the surrounding area. In Bogo, the hospital quickly became overwhelmed with patients arriving after buildings collapsed and injuries caused by aftershocks.
There were also casualties in neighboring municipalities when structures collapsed or sections of land gave way, including the roof of a sports complex during a basketball game.
Behavior and aftershocks
Since the main earthquake, hundreds, if not thousands, of aftershocks have been recorded in the affected area, some of which have been felt by local populations. The strongest reported aftershock reached a magnitude of 5.2, according to available measurements.
Geological causes and seismic context
The Philippines is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, which exposes it to regular earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and related disasters.
In the case of the Cebu earthquake, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) identified that the tremor originated from a previously inactive underwater fault, which had not shown any significant movement for around 400 years. Some experts suggest that tectonic stresses may have been building since the Leyte earthquake in 2017.
According to historical data, this tremor is one of the most powerful ever recorded in northern Cebu.