A magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck the central Philippines province of Cebu and nearby areas on 30 September 2025 has resulted in significant damage and widespread destruction. The latest crisis comes barely more than a week after the country was struck by back-to-back deadly Tropical Storm Bualoi and Typhoon Ragasa.
The quake forced the evacuation of hundreds of tourists and led to the closure of several cultural and historical landmarks across Cebu, Cebu City, and Bohol. Damaged sites include the Archdiocesan Shrine of Santa Rosa de Lima in Daanbantayan, the Medellin Tourist Rest Area, Kota Park in Madridejos, San Isidro Labrador Church in Tabogon, and the National Museum of the Philippines in Bohol, among others. Updated public advisories are being posted on the Department of Tourism (DOT) Facebook page.
More than 700 tourism workers in hotels, resorts, restaurants, travel agencies, and transport services have been affected, according to the DOT. Authorities are assisting stranded tourists and advising travellers to remain alert, as infrastructure disruptions continue to affect mobility and access to destinations.
State of calamity declared
A State of Calamity has been placed across the entire Cebu province, following widespread damage to infrastructure, disruption of essential services, and displacement of communities. Aftershocks remain possible, and precautionary measures are in effect for landslide-prone and coastal areas.
The declaration activates a legal mechanism that unlocks emergency measures and resources. It enables local authorities to cap prices of basic goods and prime commodities, control profiteering and hoarding through local price councils, reallocate funds for infrastructure repair, and extend no-interest loans to affected residents.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has cautioned the public about possible landslides and strong aftershocks, advising everyone to follow “drop, cover, and hold” protocols.
According to The Manila Times, as of 2 October 2025, at least 171,000 people have been affected and 20,000 displaced. Region VII – which covers the four provinces of Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor – remains without communication services, with four roads and 10 bridges affected. Two landslides, a fire, and an ammonia leak have also been reported. Power lines are down in 85 cities.
The Philippines is located on the “Ring of Fire,” a geologically unstable zone named for the high concentration of volcanoes and earthquakes.