URGENT: Powerful Earthquake Devastates Philippines, Dozens Killed Instantly

BREAKING NEWS At least 69 people killed, dozens more trapped after powerful earthquake hits Philippines. A magnitude-6.9 earthquake struck the central Philippines on Tuesday at approximately 10 p.m., causing widespread destruction and chaos. The epicenter was located in an undersea fault line at a shallow depth, making it particularly destructive. The hardest-hit areas are Bogo City and surrounding rural towns in Cebu province, where buildings collapsed and debris scattered streets. Rescuers are racing against time to find survivors, but sporadic rain and damaged infrastructure have hindered their efforts. According to officials, the death toll is expected to rise as rescue teams continue to search for trapped residents. "We're still in the golden hour of our search and rescue," said Office of Civil Defense deputy administrator Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV. "There are still many reports of people who were pinned or hit by debris." The earthquake's shallow depth and location near populated areas made it particularly devastating, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with backhoes and sniffer dogs being used to search for survivors in collapsed houses and damaged buildings. Officials warn that the situation is dire, but they are doing everything possible to save lives. This is a developing story. We will provide updates as more information becomes available. *This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Based on reporting from Npr.*