Overview

• The US Geological Survey measured the quake at magnitude 6.9 at roughly 10 kilometers depth off Cebu and Leyte late Tuesday local time.
• Officials now report at least 69 deaths and more than 140 injured, with totals expected to change as searches and assessments proceed.
• Cebu’s Bogo and San Remigio were hardest hit, including fatalities when a sports hall collapsed during a basketball event, according to local police.
• PHIVOLCS recorded more than 600 aftershocks up to magnitude 4.8, and a tsunami alert issued earlier was lifted after no abnormal waves were detected.
• Power and essential services were disrupted with hospital evacuations, landslides blocking roads and a mall fire reported, while local leaders appealed for food, water and heavy equipment and the national government pledged assistance.