Breaking News: 6.9 magnitude Earthquake hits Central Philippines, 22 dead

Philippines Earthquake: At least 22 people lost their lives after a strong 6.9-magnitude earthquake hit the Philippines, a government official confirmed to Reuters, describing it as one of the nation’s worst tragedies this year. According to the Reuters report, the earthquake that hit off the coast of Cebu City in the Philippines’ central Visayas region just before 10 p.m. (1400 GMT) on Tuesday caused widespread power outages and damaged several buildings across the area.

In an interview with DZMM radio, San Remigio Vice Mayor Alfie Reynes confirmed that the current number of fatalities has risen to 22.

Similarly, another government official, who spoke with Reuters by phone, confirmed that there were at least 21 deaths reported in Cebu province and that verification of those numbers is still ongoing.

According to the United States Geological Survey, the earthquake raised concerns for Cebu City, a city of nearly 1 million people. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) advised residents of the possibility of aftershocks, structural damage from the offshore quake. The report further mentioned that it also warned that “strong currents and rapid changes in seawater level are expected”. However, the advisory was lifted after three hours.

This is breaking news. Further details will be updated soon