Magnitude 6.7 earthquake hits central Philippines

MANILA -- An offshore earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.7 struck Cebu province in the central Philippines on Tuesday evening, causing damage to a century-old church and prompting people to flee into the streets, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

In a report, the institute stated that the quake, which occurred at 9:59 pm local time, struck at a depth of 10 km, approximately 17 km northeast of Bogo City.

The tremor was also felt in the provinces of Northern Samar, Bohol, and Sorsogon, as well as in nearby central Philippine provinces. However, there have been no reported casualties so far.

The institute said that the tectonic quake will trigger aftershocks and can cause significant damage.

The top of the church in Daanbantayan town, north of Bogo City, the epicenter of the quake, which was completed in 1886, fully collapsed after the earthquake. Netizens shared photos and videos on social media, showing the extent of the damage caused by the strong tremor.

Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol warned the public to stay out of the beach due to the possibility of a minor sea level disturbance.

Bacolcol said that they received reports that the top of the old church has collapsed, adding that some areas have experienced a power outage after the strong quake.

The Philippines frequently experiences seismic activity due to its location along the Pacific "Ring of Fire," a zone of intense earthquakes and volcanic activity.