EARTHQUAKE: Magnitude of 6.9 struck at the coast of Cebu province

 

A powerful magnitude 6.9 #earthquake (downgraded to 6.7) struck off the coast of Cebu Province on September 30, 2025 (Tuesday) at 9:59 PM, causing widespread damage, power outages, and at least 72 persons were confirmed fatalities and 1,166 were injured based on reports and the Cebu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO).

The tremor, which was strongly felt across Cebu, Leyte, Biliran, and other parts of Central Visayas, prompted the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) to issue a tsunami advisory for coastal areas, warning of possible sea-level disturbances of up to one meter.

The epicenter was located at 11.09°N, 124.13°E - 017 km N 73° E of City Of Bogo (Cebu). The quake was initially reported as a magnitude 6.7 before being upgraded to 6.9 on September 30 at 9:59 PM. It had a depth of 5 km and was tectonic in origin. Intensity V was experienced in Argao, Cebu; City of Sipalay, Negros Occidental, City of Lapu-Lapu, Tacloban City.

Reports cited that 32 persons were killed in Bogo city, of which four were children.; 15 persons in San Remegio; 14 in Medellin; five persons in Borbon, one in Sogod, one in Tabuelan and another one person in Oslob.

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It has also recorded 18,154 houses that were damaged by the quake.

NDRRMC reported as of Oct. 5, 2025 that there are 26,542 displaced persons, a number of which are sheltered in four evacuation or camp centers; 128,464 families that are affected (455,631 persons) in 1 region, 1 province, 15 cities or municipalities, and 184 barangays.

https://ndrrmc.gov.ph/.../Situational_Report_No_6_for_the...

The NDRRMC reported damage of 22 infrastructure facilities and power interruptions in eight cities and municipalities.

PhiVolcs continued monitoring the series of aftershocks. Screenphoto sourced from HazardHunterPh indicate that seismic experiences. Screenphoto taken on October 15, 2025 as of 8:45pm.

The earthquake caused major disruptions to the Visayas power grid, with NGCP confirming significant damage. Leyte, Samar, and parts of Bohol were cut off from the Cebu-Negros-Panay grid. Four 230kV transmission lines tripped, and key power plants in Cebu and Negros shut down, isolating 641 MW of power. The Daanbantayan Substation, near the quake’s epicenter, was among the damaged facilities. NGCP is prioritizing inspections and restoration once aftershocks subside, with updates every four hours until full transmission is restored.

Power outages have affected large parts of northern Cebu after transmission lines in the Visayas tripped, temporarily disconnecting some provinces from the Cebu-Negros-Panay power grid. Damage assessments are ongoing, with authorities warning of the possibility of aftershocks.

The intensity of the quake was more felt in a recorded video from a vehicle dash camera which showed the bridge of Lapu-lapu city, that connects the urban areas in Cebu, swayed in tremor, hence, stalling vehicles and motorcycles.

Visayas has experienced at least eight major earthquakes with magnitudes ranging from 5.0 to 7.2. The strongest was the 7.2-magnitude North Bohol earthquake in 2013.

AFTER EFFECTS

San Remigio police confirmed a number of fatalities after a sports complex collapsed during a basketball game for the Mayor’s Cup. Among the dead were a Bureau of Fire Protection officer and three Philippine Coast Guard members. In a separate incident, a child also died after being trapped in a collapsed building.

In Medellin, authorities reported several injured persons. It has also declared a local state of calamity after its Municipal Hall and annex buildings were damaged.

Initial information indicated that rescue efforts were also undertaken in SM Care in Polambato and in Celang's Bakeshop where a number of persons were believed covered by collapsing infrastructures.

Medical teams, responders, and volunteers were also reported giving immediate aid to the injured, with Mayor Francis Salimbangon on-site to oversee relief efforts and coordinate community support.

The Archdiocesan Shrine of Sta. Rosa de Lima in Daanbantayan, Cebu—an important heritage church built in 1886—partially collapsed due to the quake. Despite surviving past disasters like Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013, the recent quake caused significant damage. Notably, the Blessed Sacrament and the image of Sta. Rosa de Lima remained unharmed, offering a sign of hope to parishioners.

Rev. Fr. Bernardo D. Oyao of St. Martin de Porres Parish posted in facebook in Ilihan, Tabogon, Cebu, showed the damage inside their parish after the ceiling collapsed.

Meanwhile, 46 towns and cities in the Visayas have suspended classes to assess the safety of school buildings.

The quake produced 22 sinkholes in Northern Cebu: 5 in Purok Moller, Antipolo; 2 in Upper 2 Mahawak; 1 in Bantayan, Tindog; and in Purok Mahigugmaon, Panugnawan, Medellin (with fissure reportedly estimated at 500-800 meters). These are in Medellin, Cebu.

Two days after the quake, other sinkholes are found in Tabunan of Borbon; and in Remegio, there are 2 sinkholes in Looc; 4 in Mano; 5 in Poblacion; and 1 in Hagnaya.

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By October 15, 2025, post damage assessments by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB-7) noted at least 70 sinkholes, as reported by Freeman. 

One of the sinkholes discovered following the quake in Bogo. (https://web.facebook.com/photo?fbid=122251826534060578&set=pcb.122251826732060578)
📷 Rene Castino.

Gripped by fear and trauma, residents of Medellín in Cebu opted to sleep outside their homes, observing possible aftershocks.

Structural damage was reported in multiple areas, including the partial collapse of a McDonald’s branch in Bogo and the burning of a mall in Consolacion following the tremor.

Reports also cited newly born infants and patients in Cebu were evacuated from major hospitals to safe areas.

Meanwhile, earthquake victims continue to arrive at Bogo City Provincial Hospital, overwhelming staff as injuries from the October 1 quake increase.

Night shift workers of Cebu's IT Park were also evacuated. The DOLE has ordered the suspension of office reporting and mandates IT companies to craft its disaster-related policy to mitigate the effects of hazards to lives and properties. Their offices are required to be inspected for safety regulations following the incident.

Mayor Gilbert Arrabis Jr. in Daanbantayan, Cebu forwarned vehicles and passengers that the bridge near Daanbantayan Public Market is impassable due to damage.

Motorists are advised to take alternate routes, as the Lamac-Pinamungahan to Bunga-Toledo road is impassable due to boulders blocking the way after Tuesday night’s earthquake.

The Salag Hanging Bridge in Tabogon, the Langoyon and Fortaliza Bridges in Tuburan, and the road in Barangay Poblacion, Daanbantayan, are currently not passable. However, light vehicles can still pass through the bridges in Barangays Putat and Bagasawe.

Tabunok Bridge in Sogod is closed to 4-wheeled vehicles due to cracks caused by tonight’s earthquake.

The Philippine Coast Guard has temporarily suspended all vessel operations at Hagnaya and Polambato Ports in Northern Cebu due to structural damage due to the quake. The suspension will remain in effect until further notice.

Panic also gripped with a throng of people gathered in a Naval gymnasium where a person was injured and another collapsed, as cited in a facebook live update of Biliran municipal mayor Gretchen M. Espina.

Another footage from a hotel in Cebu's North Reclamation Area showed broken tiles scattered on the floor. Guests and staffs were also evacuated outside the building for safety.

With widespread damage, San Remigio Mayor Mariano R. Martinez has announced the intent to declare a State of Calamity, pending an emergency session of the 28th Sangguniang Bayan. This move will enable immediate relief efforts, resource mobilization, and preventive measures. While awaiting formal approval, the local government is coordinating with national agencies to address urgent needs. Residents are urged to stay alert and cooperate with authorities.

Local governments in Cebu City and Lapu-Lapu have likewise suspended classes and closed government offices on Wednesday, October 1. Emergency services are focusing on search and rescue operations, infrastructure inspections, and restoring essential services. The tsunami advisory remains in effect, and residents in coastal areas have been advised to stay away from the shoreline and follow evacuation orders.

Mayor Raisa Trenas has ordered the suspension of all classes in Iloilo City on October 1, 2025, in both public and private schools, following the strong earthquake. The suspension allows for safety inspections of school facilities and buildings by city engineers and disaster officials. The public is urged to stay vigilant and cooperative.

As the quake impacted a number of communities, heavy flooding from torrential rain also hit Cebu City due to thunderstorms an hour after the M6.9 earthquake. Rain continued into the early morning of October 1 and was still ongoing as of 3 a.m.

Seismic experiences from Oct 1- Oct 15, 2025. HazardHunterPh.

REPURPOSING SINKHOLES

First, a thorough geological assessment should be conducted to evaluate the size, depth, and potential activity of each sinkhole. These findings should be used to update geohazard maps and identify high-risk areas. In the meantime, access to the sinkholes must be restricted, with clear markings and warning signs installed to prevent accidents, and at-risk residents may need to be temporarily evacuated. Infrastructure near the affected zones—including homes, roads, and utilities—should be inspected for signs of damage or instability, and utilities may need to be shut off to avoid further hazards.

Depending on their severity, sinkholes may be stabilized through methods such as filling with concrete or compacted materials, pressure grouting, or improving drainage systems to prevent further erosion. Equally important is community education; local governments and disaster agencies should inform residents about sinkhole risks, warning signs of ground movement, and emergency protocols. On a policy level, land use regulations must be strengthened to prohibit construction on sinkhole-prone areas without thorough geotechnical evaluation. Long-term monitoring should also be implemented to detect further ground movement or the formation of new sinkholes. In the case of northern Cebu, it is crucial for local government units, in coordination with MGB-7, PHIVOLCS, and disaster response agencies, to act quickly and strategically to mitigate risks and ensure the safety and resilience of affected communities.

Although sinkholes are typically seen as hazards, they can be repurposed for beneficial uses—provided they are stable, thoroughly assessed, and properly managed. One alternative is to transform them into ecotourism or educational sites. Large or scenic sinkholes can serve as natural attractions or geological learning centers, helping promote tourism and raise awareness about earth science and disaster preparedness. In areas prone to flooding, sinkholes can be adapted into controlled water catchment basins or natural drainage systems to manage stormwater and reduce surface runoff. Shallow, stable sinkholes may also be converted into community green spaces such as gardens, parks, or tree-planting areas that enhance biodiversity and provide recreational space.

In certain cases, and with proper soil testing, they can support limited agricultural uses, such as community gardens or aquaponics systems. If a sinkhole retains water consistently, it may even be used as a fishpond. In urban or semi-urban areas, they can contribute to urban greening efforts. Additionally, although less ideal, some sinkholes have been used for the controlled disposal of non-toxic construction waste, but this must be done under strict regulation to avoid contaminating groundwater.

Before repurposing any sinkhole, it is crucial to conduct a detailed geological assessment to ensure safety and long-term stability. Environmental impact studies should also be carried out to avoid harming local ecosystems, and communities should be actively involved in decision-making processes. Any repurposing initiative must be approved by relevant authorities such as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), and local government units.

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UPDATED/ 1:34pm / Oct 1, 2025

UPDATED/ 2:12 pm / Oct 1, 2025

UPDATED/ 8:57 pm / Oct 2, 2025

UPDATED/ 1:53 pm / Oct 5, 2025

UPDATED/ 1:50 pm / Oct 7, 2025

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Fatalities:

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Relevant references

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Updated areas impacted by the quake are labeled in red by Google Map.