Thursday, October 1, 2026
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The Philippines (WNN)- Around 10 pm local time (10 am EDT) on September 30th, 2025, a 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck the central provinces of the Philippines. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) confirmed that the Earthquake registered a 6.7 magnitude in Cebu and a 6.9 magnitude at the epicenter, 10 miles northeast of Bogo City in Cebu Province.
Map showing epicenter of earthquake. September 30, 2025
U.S. Geological Survey usgs.gov
The first tremor was followed by four additional earthquakes, each registering 5.0 or greater. The initial quake struck at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles). This is considered a shallow depth, and these shallow depths produce more shaking on land. The Philippines are considered one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries. This is because the archipelago of 7,000 islands is located almost in the center of the Pacific “Ring of Fire.”
This is an arc of seismic faults around the ocean. The area is often battered by typhoons as well, some years producing more than twenty. The latest quake comes just five days after a significant storm lashed the area with heavy rains that left 27 dead, most from drowning in flash floods or being hit by falling trees.
So far, no casualties have been reported from the Earthquake; however, this is an ongoing story, and there might be bodies trapped beneath collapsed buildings. Rescue operations will be easier once the sun rises.
Camotes Island is famous for its crystal clear waters, extremely fine white sand, and spectacular views of the sunsets that it offers. It is a hidden gem in the Visayas region of the Philippines, which is a short ferry ride from Cebu.
The sun setting in Camotes Island, Philippines. May 23, 2010
Roger Sigmon (WNN)
These things were far from the minds of locals as the night of September 30, 2025, was winding down. I was able to speak with a local resident, Riza Amancio Muana, and asked her to recount the experience. This is her account of the night. “We were watching TV at that time, when we were all shocked to see the TV beginning swaying and shaking. I saw that the windows were shaking as well. We were all shocked and scared, we ran outside to avoid the danger of the house. There was no time to even put on slippers; we went out barefoot. We have all felt shocked. We are scared to try to go back to sleep; there are warnings of aftershocks around 3 am (3 pm EDT) and a tsunami.
I have not seen any damage here in Camotes, but the sea level is down to about 2 meters (6 feet). Everyone keeps saying how strong it is.” She went on to say that almost no one has gone back inside yet, and it seems everyone is either in shock or scared, not really knowing what to do. She told a friend, “It’s like I’m in a hammock; I’m having a fever because of the threat of danger.”
Much of the damage has been to centuries-old stone heritage churches. The Saints Peter and Paul Church in Bantayan Island was reported to have collapsed during the Earthquake. The Archdiocesan Shrine of Santa Rosa de Lima in Daanbantayan was also reported to have partially collapsed.
Parroquia de San Pedro Apostol. A centuries-old heritage church in Bantayan Island, Philippines damaged in earthquake. September 30, 2025
Photo taken by: Melanie Revilla.
Fortunately, no casualties have been reported yet. Even though the possibility of a tsunami is very low, residents along the shoreline are being urged to evacuate and move inland, as well as stay away from the beaches. These warnings were especially urgent in the areas of Leyte Island, Cebu Island, and Biliran Island. The U.S Geological Survey and PHIVOLCS both confirm there is no apparent danger of a tsunami hitting Hawaii.
Update:
Confirmed death as of 8:30 AM local time - October 1st
Bogo City - 27
Tabogon - 5
San Remigio - 4
Medellin - 1
Tabuelan - 1
Total: 38 casualties
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