Earthquake Devastates Cebu: Filipinos Face Dizziness and Desolation

Tue Oct 21 2025 15:58:45 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A powerful 6.9 magnitude earthquake in Cebu, Philippines has left survivors in a state of shock and disarray. Many are living in tent shelters, struggling with the aftermath as they seek basic necessities amidst devastation.

Following a 6.9 magnitude earthquake that struck the northern coast of Cebu on September 30, residents are left reeling, with many too frightened to return to their homes. The disaster has resulted in at least 68 fatalities and over 500 injuries. As relief efforts begin, survivors face immediate challenges including food, water, and shelter as they navigate life in temporary camps. The community’s resilience is tested as they rely on one another during this critical time.

Two days after a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck her hometown in the central Philippines, Arguel Estalicas says she still feels dizzy every time she stands up.

That spinning feeling, coupled with a string of aftershocks, has left the 35-year-old tourism officer and many other survivors too scared to return to their homes, forcing them to live in tents temporarily.

The earthquake shook the northern coast of Cebu, one of the country's most populous islands, on the night of 30 September, jolting many out of their sleep.

It killed at least 68 people and wounded more than 500 others, as homes, buildings, and churches collapsed, and roads cracked.

I still couldn't process what has happened to us, Ms. Estalicas tells the BBC. I am overwhelmed with the things we experienced in the last two days.

The disaster displaced nearly 80,000 people across Cebu and nearby provinces. Cebu is a major trading and transportation hub in the central Philippines.

Ms. Estalicas described fleeing her bed and running outdoors with her family during the quake. They spent the night under the open sky, covering themselves with plastic bags as the rain began.

About 10km away, in San Remigio municipality, Lourenze Pareja also spent the night outdoors, witnessing his community turn into a ghost town as buildings crumbled.

This week's earthquake comes amid a fierce typhoon season, exacerbating the challenges. Widespread floods from previous storms have already stirred public anger, and now the need for food, water, and fuel is urgent as aid efforts ramp up.

Despite the challenges, survivors like Ms. Estalicas and Mr. Pareja remain hopeful that their community spirit of bayanihan (helping one another) will see them through as they rally for support and resources in the recovery efforts.