A powerful 6.8 magnitude earthquake has struck Leyte in the Philippines, prompting authorities to issue a significant warning to residents living near the shoreline to immediately move inland. The earthquake, which occurred around 10 pm local time, is believed to have originated underwater.
The Philippines, situated in the Ring of Fire, a highly disaster-prone region globally, frequently experiences earthquakes due to the presence of numerous fault lines. Following the tremors, students at Visayas State University evacuated their dormitories.
More than half a million individuals reportedly experienced intense shaking across the Visayan Islands, including Cebu, based on estimates from the US Geological Survey. Provincial disaster and emergency teams are currently assessing the situation post-earthquake, as confirmed by Governor Baricuatro.
Some areas in Cebu suffered power outages due to the earthquake impact. Governor Baricuatro urged the public to remain calm, advising them to move to open spaces, steer clear of collapsing structures, and be vigilant for potential aftershocks.
Notably, a McDonald’s restaurant building sustained damage from the quake, with the most severe tremors felt in the northern regions of Cebu and Leyte. The US Geological Survey warned that poorly constructed buildings could face considerable damage, while well-built structures might experience slight to moderate impacts.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology recommended residents near the shoreline to move inland due to anticipated rapid changes in seawater levels following the earthquake near Bogo City, Cebu. The earthquake also affected a church in Bantayan town, as captured in a video showing the site crumbling and the cross falling to the ground, causing panic among passers-by.
In another incident, an influencer filming a livestream at a restaurant abruptly halted the session as the venue started shaking. The video captures the moment when models on a runway stopped due to the earthquake, with screams heard as people reacted to the situation.
Reports indicate that the earthquake could trigger a localised tsunami, heightening the warning for residents nationwide. Another earthquake has been reported in Indonesia, located 1007 km Northwest of Sulawesi.
