The death toll from the powerful 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck the central Philippines on Tuesday (September 30, 2025) climbed to 72 on Thursday (October 2), even as authorities shifted focus from search operations to aiding the injured and displaced.

Bodies recovered as rescue efforts wind down

Officials confirmed that the last three bodies were recovered from the rubble of a collapsed hotel in Bogo City, close to the quake’s epicentre, late on Wednesday. With no more missing persons reported, rescue units in Cebu province have begun demobilising, according to National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) spokesman Junie Castillo.

“We have zero missing, so the assumption is all are accounted for,” Castillo said.

At least 294 people were injured and around 20,000 residents fled their homes following the disaster. Nearly 600 houses were reported destroyed across northern Cebu.

Aftershocks keep residents on edge

Hundreds of aftershocks have rattled Cebu since the quake, prompting widespread fear and preventing residents from returning to homes that may not be structurally compromised.

“One of the challenges is the aftershocks. It means residents are reluctant to return,” Castillo added.

With families sleeping outdoors or in temporary shelters, the demand for aid has surged. Cebu governor Pamela Baricuatro appealed for urgent supplies of clean drinking water, food, clothing, and temporary housing, in addition to volunteers to help distribute relief.

President Marcos inspects damage

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos flew to Cebu on Thursday with senior aides to survey the damage. He visited a housing project in Bogo, originally built for survivors of Super Typhoon Haiyan in 2013, where at least eight people died when homes collapsed during the quake.

Marcos assured affected families that the government would accelerate relief and rehabilitation efforts, stressing the need for rapid rebuilding and restoration of livelihoods.

Stories of survival and loss

The destruction has displaced thousands, forcing them to seek refuge in makeshift shelters.

At a small village chapel in Bogo, 18-year-old Diane Madrigal and 14 neighbours huddled together after their homes were destroyed. “The entire wall of my house fell. I don’t know when we can go back,” she said, adding that aftershocks continued to terrify her.

For Lucille Ipil, 43, the main struggle was access to water. She queued with her container along a roadside where dozens of others waited for relief trucks. “The earthquake really ruined our lives. We cannot eat, drink or bathe properly. Rebuilding takes a long time,” she said.

Hospitals have also been affected. Dozens of patients were treated in tents outside the Cebu provincial hospital, which sustained significant damage. “I’d rather stay here under this tent. At least I can be treated,” said 22-year-old Kyle Malait, who injured her arm.

Thousands need long-term assistance

More than 110,000 people across 42 communities are expected to require long-term support, including new housing and livelihood restoration, according to the regional civil defence office.

Electricity remains unavailable in several areas, complicating relief work and adding to the hardships of survivors.

A seismic hotspot

The Philippines lies along the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, a region prone to frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. While most quakes are too weak to be felt, destructive tremors occur unpredictably and pose significant risk to lives and infrastructure.

Conclusion

As Cebu and surrounding provinces begin the long process of recovery, officials are calling for international and domestic aid to meet the needs of thousands left homeless. The tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the Philippines’ vulnerability to natural disasters, and the resilience required to rebuild lives in their aftermath.