Philippines earthquake; PM Narendra Modi

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed condolences over the deadly earthquake in The Philippines that killed at least 69 people. “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 said on X.

PM Modi post

The earthquake struck at 10 pm local time on Tuesday, with its epicentre located about 19 kilometres northeast of Bogo, a coastal city of nearly 90,000 people in Cebu province. Because the quake originated at a dangerously shallow depth of only 5 kilometres, Bogo and nearby towns suffered the heaviest damage. Many victims were trapped in collapsed houses and buildings, with casualties also reported in Medellin and San Remigio. The quake’s shallow depth of just 5 km intensified the destruction. More than 600 aftershocks have since rattled the region. A brief tsunami warning was issued but later lifted, with no abnormal waves reported. This disaster comes just days after a tropical storm killed 27 people in the same region, further straining relief efforts. Schools and offices remain shut as authorities assess structural safety. The Philippines lies on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” making it highly vulnerable to quakes and volcanic eruptions.