At 10:37 p.m., a powerful 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck Various regions of the Philippines, sending violent tremors across the area. Numerous provinces and their neighboring regions have been severely affected, with widespread damage reported.
Credible sources like The Guardian have reported loss of more than 69 people, with more than 1000 injured due to the 6.9 magnitude earthquake that occurred on 30th September 2025. People are searching the debris for their loved ones, while aftershocks continue to shake remaining structures.
The earthquake and its aftershock tremors have forced families to sleep outdoors. Experts have also warned of a tsunami. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has also alerted the Philippines and its bordering countries about it.
Emergency sirens have left citizens in fear, with requests to vacate their place and run to a higher, open place. AP News has also reported that more than a hundred houses were wiped out by the seashore before the waves started.
Historic sites like churches are toppled, which had a religious significance for decades.
Local fisherman David has lost his boats as well as his house, which is quite worrying. Hospitals overflowed as the number of injuries increased rapidly due to the earthquake.
Rescue operations are also affected in remote areas due to the disruption in infrastructure, such as bridges with blocked roads. In these tough times, the Filipino spirit is still alive as residents have passed on non-essentials like food and water to the survivors.
Churches have also opened their door to shelter for the affected families. Meanwhile, one volunteer named Maria has quoted that "the grounds may have shaken, but our unity won't. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has declared a state of calamity to use the emergency funds for the rescue operations and help for needy people.
The Philippines is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, which is one of the most earthquake-prone zones, so disasters like this are not fresh events but will always leave scars and tears.
Experts and intellectuals have quoted that now rebuilding must be focused on building codes with a stronger foundation, with an early warning system deployed to save more casualties in the future.
The loss is big, but we must be hopeful. May God provide courage, unity, and compassion to citizens.
