A powerful 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck central Philippines late Tuesday night, killing at least 27 people and injuring more than 140 others.

The quake occurred around 9:59 pm local time, at a depth of roughly 10 kilometers, with its epicenter near Bogo City in Cebu province. Power outages spread across the region and a number of buildings, including homes and a historic church, sustained serious damage.

Cebu, a province of about 3.4 million people and a major tourist hub, was among the hardest hit areas. In San Remigio, authorities swiftly declared a state of calamity to help accelerate relief efforts and coordinate assistance.

Rescue teams are working to reach those trapped under debris as aftershocks continue to rattle the region. Hospitals in Bogo and nearby towns are overwhelmed, with some victims in critical condition. Transportation and communication links have been disrupted, complicating the flow of aid and emergency response.

The quake's impact is magnified by the region's geography and population density; many structures were not built to resist severe tremors. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has recorded multiple aftershocks, the strongest near magnitude 5, and has ruled out a tsunami threat.

The central Visayas region faces a mounting humanitarian crisis as rescue operations race against time. The confirmed death toll may rise further, and authorities emphasize the urgent need for rescue, medical, and relief support.

Rebuilding damaged infrastructure, restoring power and water supply, and ensuring access to medical care will be critical. International assistance and careful coordination will be crucial as communities struggle to recover from this sudden disaster.

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