Deadly Earthquake Strikes Central Philippines, Rescue Efforts Ongoing

On Tuesday, a devastating earthquake rocked the central Philippines, leaving at least 69 people dead and many more trapped in the rubble. The magnitude-6.9 quake struck around 10 pm local time, with its epicenter located about 12 miles northeast of Bogo City in Cebu province.

Rescue teams have been working around the clock, using backhoes and sniffer dogs to search for survivors in the collapsed houses and damaged buildings. However, their efforts have been hampered by sporadic rain, as well as damaged bridges and roads. "We're still in the golden hour of our search and rescue," said Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV, the deputy administrator of the Office of Civil Defence.

The death toll is expected to rise as more information becomes available from the hard-hit areas. Officials have reported that an unspecified number of residents remain trapped, and they are considering seeking help from foreign governments to aid in the response.

The earthquake was one of the most powerful to hit the central region in over a decade, and it occurred while many people were asleep or at home. Thousands of traumatized residents have chosen to stay in open fields and parks, despite intermittent rain, as they wait for the all-clear to return to their homes.