Philippine: Officials said on Wednesday that at least 69 people were killed in a powerful earthquake that struck the central Philippines, collapsing buildings, cutting off power, and sending residents fleeing into the streets.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Philippine National Disaster Management Agency reported more than 140 people were injured in the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck the central province of Cebu and neighboring provinces on Tuesday evening. Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro, deputy director of the Office of Civil Defense, stated that most of the deaths were caused by falling debris. He emphasized that search and rescue operations are a priority, especially in Bogo City, which was the epicenter of the earthquake.

Alejandro noted that there are still ongoing aftershocks, and many residents are hesitant to return to their homes, particularly in Bogo City. The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Office reported that 30 people were among the deceased in Bogo City, Cebu Province, where a landslide triggered by the earthquake buried homes. Additionally, the disaster management office confirmed that 22 people were killed in San Remigio town.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has recorded more than 600 aftershocks, with the strongest measuring 4.8 on the Richter scale.