FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
A powerful earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.9 struck the central Philippines on Sunday evening, at around 10 p.m. local time, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The powerful tremor has raised concerns about widespread damage and the possibility of a local tsunami.
According to initial estimates, an earthquake of this magnitude in the region could cause significant casualties and damage, especially to poorly constructed buildings. The epicenter was recorded just 10 kilometers underwater, west of Palompon town, near Bogo city in Cebu province.
Footage shared on social media showed heavy damage in Cebu province: a shopping mall was engulfed in flames after the quake, while a McDonald's restaurant was badly damaged. In another video, contestants from a beauty pageant were seen running in fear from the stage as the quake struck.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) issued an orange tsunami alert for the provinces of Leyte, Biliran and Cebu. Residents were urged to leave the coastlines and evacuate inland. Authorities reported that multiple aftershocks were recorded near the epicenter in the hours after the earthquake.
In the city of Bogo, local authorities announced via social media that rescue teams have begun work to help residents and assess the damage.
According to USGS models, more than half a million people felt very strong tremors in the Visayan islands, which include Cebu, Biliran and Leyte, raising fears of severe consequences for infrastructure and the lives of residents.
Philippine authorities and international emergency services are on standby, while the situation is being assessed hourly.
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