'Alert note: Magnitude 6.9 earthquake strikes Cebu, Philippines

Viva Danmark has submitted an alert due to a Magnitute 6.9 earthquake in the Philippines.

On 30 September 2025, at 9:59 PM PST, a 6.9 magnitude earthquake with a shallow depth of 5 km struck northern Cebu, Philippines, with the epicenter located near Bogo City. The disaster caused severe destruction in Bogo and surrounding municipalities—San Remigio, Daanbantayan, Medellin, and Tabuelan—damaging homes, roads, and public infrastructure. In total, 72 people died, 559 were injured, and over 77,000 residents were displaced. More than 5,000 houses were destroyed or damaged, while 335 key infrastructures—including government buildings, health facilities, bridges, and cultural heritage sites—were affected. In all, more than 80,000 families, or 366,000 individuals, are impacted.

The crisis is compounded by the fact that northern Cebu was still recovering from Typhoon Ragasa, leaving communities exceptionally vulnerable. Many displaced families are staying outside evacuation centers due to fear of aftershocks, exposing them to heightened risks. Vulnerable groups—including children, older persons, low-income households, persons with disabilities, and patients in overstretched hospitals—face urgent needs for safe shelter, food, clean water, medical care (including psychosocial support), and protection services.

The Philippine government declared a state of calamity, unlocking emergency funds and pledging ₱225 million in assistance. Tent cities with basic services were ordered, and national agencies mobilized alongside local governments, which activated emergency operations centers. International and community actors also responded: OCHA is monitoring the situation, the Philippine Red Cross deployed medical teams and relief units, nearby cities sent rescue and water systems, and RAFI Foundation activated its Emergency Operations Center to support coordination. Despite these efforts, relief remains insufficient and delayed due to bureaucratic and logistical challenges.