From GMA News

By Lia Atienza

Rescue operations continue in Cebu amidst a series of aftershocks on Wednesday, October 1, following a 6.9-magnitude earthquake that hit the island on the evening of Tuesday, September 30. 

The earthquake originated on the coast of Cebu, 21 kilometers northeast of Bogo City, and was felt in varying intensities across Cebu, Bohol, and other neighboring provinces, including the Bicol Region and Western Visayas. 

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) listed nearly 70 confirmed deaths, mostly in Bogo City and San Remegio, alongside destroyed roads and infrastructure on the island. 

Moreover, local hospitals are overwhelmed with the influx of patients after the earthquake due to the lack of workers and facilities to treat them.

The healthcare workers continue to call for medical volunteers to help with the increasing number of casualties. 

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) also issued a tsunami advisory, urging residents of Leyte, Cebu, and Biliran to remain inland due to strong currents and sea-level changes after the earthquake. 

As of 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 1, Phivolcs recorded 795 aftershocks since the initial temblor, including four “major” aftershocks, with the strongest having a magnitude of 4.8. 

Phivolcs Chief Dr. Teresito Bacolcol advised the public to prepare for more aftershocks in the coming days, possibly weeks, after the disaster.