• A 6.9-magnitude earthquake hit central Philippines, resulting in at least 72 fatalities.
• The earthquake occurred late Tuesday, predominantly affecting Bogo City in Cebu province.
• Over 294 people reported injured with ongoing search and rescue efforts stymied by damaged infrastructure.
• Numerous aftershocks have been recorded, exacerbating fears among residents.
• The Philippine government declared a state of calamity in the affected regions.

The central Philippines was struck by a **powerful 6.9-magnitude earthquake** late Tuesday, leading to at least **72 fatalities** and **more than 294 injuries**, according to the civil defense agency Reuters and Channel News Asia. The **quake's epicenter** was located approximately **19 kilometers northeast of Bogo**, a city heavily impacted by the tremor.

Emergency services have reported significant damage to **buildings and infrastructure**, including historical churches and schools. Reports indicate that the **Cebu quake** is the deadliest in the Philippines since 2013, surpassing the death toll from previous significant seismic events Reuters and Los Angeles Times.

As of now, **rescue operations** are underway, though they are being complicated by sporadic rain and severely damaged roads and bridges. Many residents were forced to evacuate their homes and spend the night in open areas **due to aftershocks** and fears of further tremors ABC News and Al Jazeera.

The **Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology** has recorded **multiple aftershocks**, significantly aggravating the situation for both survivors and rescue teams Channel News Asia. With continued assessments, local authorities are concerned that the casualty toll may continue to rise as more areas are surveyed for damages.

Due to the extensive impacts of the quake, President **Ferdinand Marcos Jr.** has expressed condolences and promised swift assistance to the affected areas Reuters and BBC.