Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed deep sorrow over the devastating earthquake in the Philippines that took 69 lives.
“Deeply saddened to learn about the loss of lives and widespread damage caused by the earthquake in the Philippines. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families. I wish the injured a speedy recovery. India stands in solidarity with the Philippines at this difficult time,” PM Modi stated on X.
The powerful 6.9 magnitude quake struck Cebu province late Tuesday night, causing extensive destruction and panic across the region.
According to the Philippines’ Office of Civil Defence (OCD), 30 people died in Bogo City, the quake’s epicentre. 10 fatalities were reported in Medellin town, 22 in San Remigio town, 5 in Tabogon town and one each in Sogod and Tabuelan.
Victims were mostly crushed under collapsed buildings and house walls as the quake struck with little warning, officials said.
Initially, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said that at least 147 people were injured.
However, he did not mention details regarding those injured and the missing people.
Initially measured at 6.7, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology later upgraded the earthquake’s strength to 6.9.
The tremor struck at 9:59 PM local time, originating at a shallow depth of 5 kilometres beneath Cebu province.
Over 600 shockwaves have rattled the region since the quake, raising fear of further collapses and damage.
India’s message of solidarity echoes a long-standing bond, reaffirming regional unity during times of humanitarian crises.
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