Earthquake in the Philippines: Rescue workers race against time
A 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck Cebu province on September 30, killing at least 69 and injuring about 200. Hospitals are overwhelmed as rescuers search the rubble for survivors.
Earthquake on the Philippine archipelago of Visayas
On the evening of September 30, 2025, shortly before 10 p.m., a 6.9 magnitude earthquake shook the Philippines, particularly the province of Cebu in the heart of the central Visayas island group. At least 69 deaths have been confirmed so far, and there are reports of around 200 injuries. There are frequent power outages in the region and hospitals are overwhelmed.
State of emergency in Bogo and San Remigio
The cities of Bogo and San Remigio have been particularly hard hit, and a state of emergency has been declared. The hospital in Bogo lacks beds and medical supplies. Patients have to be treated outside on mattresses, while staff provide assistance with limited resources.
Hundreds injured
A man injured in the earthquake outside the Cebu Provincial Hospital in Bogo City. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. promised rapid assistance to those affected: Electricity and water supplies would be restored quickly. Members of the government were already on site to oversee coordination and logistics.
Every second counts in a rescue
Rescue workers are working tirelessly to find injured people in the rubble. "We are still in the golden hour of our search and rescue efforts," said Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV, deputy head of the Philippines' Office of Disaster Management, at a press conference. "There are still many reports of people who have been buried or hit by debris."
The Pacific Ring of Fire: A dangerous location
The Philippines lie on the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the world’s most active seismic zones. Hundreds of quakes strike every year. In December 2023, the island of Mindanao was hit by a 7.6 quake; a month earlier, a 6.7 quake killed 11 and injured 700. The Visayas, now struck by a 6.9 quake, are also part of this geologically active region.
Life after the earthquake
A family with two newborn babies in their arms waits outside the provincial hospital in Bogo City to be called in for a medical examination. Residents describe violent tremors, collapsed roofs and torn-up roads. Many people had to flee outside in complete darkness.
Homeless overnight
"It's difficult to move around in the area because there are dangers lurking everywhere," reports disaster control officer Glenn Ursal. In rural villages, many people are injured, buried under the rubble or homeless. They need water, food, heavy equipment and urgent medical care.
Between resignation and hope
Despite massive destruction, hope is growing: Many agencies and groups are cooperating on rescue and reconstruction efforts. But the latter, especially, will take time. The Philippine government is considering whether to request international assistance. Countries such as the US, Japan, Australia, as well as the EU have already responded with expressions of solidarity.