Philippines Reels from Deadly 6.9 Magnitude Earthquake, Survivors Face Ghost Towns

Tue Oct 21 2025 02:30:59 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A powerful earthquake has devastated parts of Cebu, Philippines, leaving at least 68 dead and many residents displaced. Survivors narrate haunting experiences amidst aftershocks and ongoing relief efforts.

In the aftermath of a devastating 6.9 magnitude earthquake that struck the central Philippines, residents in Cebu are grappling with loss, fear, and uncertainty as hundreds are displaced and many homes lie in ruins. While emergency responders work tirelessly to provide relief, survivors share harrowing stories of their experiences during the quake and the challenges they face in attempting to rebuild their lives.

Two days after a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck her hometown in the central Philippines, Arguel Estalicas says she still feels dizzy every time she stands up.

That spinning feeling, coupled with a string of aftershocks, has left the 35-year-old tourism officer and many other survivors too scared to return to their homes, forcing them to live in tents temporarily.

The earthquake shook the northern coast of Cebu, one of the country's most populous islands, on the night of 30 September, jolting many out of their sleep.

It killed at least 68 people and wounded more than 500 others, as homes, buildings, and churches collapsed and roads cracked.

I still couldn't process what has happened to us, Ms. Estalicas tells the BBC. I am overwhelmed with the things we experienced in the last two days.

The 35-year-old lives in Medellin town, near the quake's epicenter. Disaster response officials report the earthquake displaced nearly 80,000 people across Cebu and nearby provinces. Cebu is a major trading and transportation hub in the central Philippines.

She recalled running outdoors with her family as the tremors hit. They slept under the open sky, but when a light drizzle fell, Ms. Estalicas and her family wrapped themselves in plastic bags because they had no raincoats.

Photos on social media depicted them sitting on plastic chairs, swathed in fogged-up plastic bags.

About 10km away in San Remigio municipality, Lourenze Pareja also spent the night outdoors. He shared on Facebook, There, under the night sky, we sat freely - in great faith - with our little lights, holding on to what resources we had. Pray for us, everyone.

When the shaking began, he grabbed his phone to livestream the scene: neighbors in pajamas evacuating their homes with children and pets in tow. Lord, the 25-year-old community journalist exclaimed, urgently calling for help.

The earthquake is among the strongest and deadliest in recent years, coming in the midst of typhoon season. Rescuers are still searching through the rubble as provincial officials work to restore power and clear roads of debris.

While daily necessities remain a pressing concern, affected residents collectively hope that they can recover as they help each other in the spirit of bayanihan, or community.