Children hid under desks as a deadly earthquake struck a gaming cafe in the Philippines.
CCTV footage shows the youngsters playing computer games when the tremors struck Cebu City, prompting them – along with a neighbor who had just entered the shop – to duck beneath the tables for safety.
The panicked group was seen covering their heads and appearing to pray as the violent shaking continued, briefly causing the lights to flicker on September 30.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said the earthquake struck Cebu province at 9:59 pm local time, at a depth of 5 kilometres (3 miles).
Authorities reported at least 72 dead and around 300 injured, adding the numbers may rise as rescue teams reach collapsed buildings.
READ: Death toll from Cebu quake rises to 72
The earthquake triggered widespread power outages and flattened buildings, including a government hall and a century-old church.
“I am already in touch with national agencies and the Office of the President to ask for reinforcements,” Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro said.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Cabinet Secretaries visited the affected areas in Cebu, including the hospitals where injured residents are being treated, as well as the church damaged by the powerful tremor.
READ: Cebu earthquake jolts homes as family huddle together for safety | Watch: Magnitude 6.9 quake damages church in Bantayan as tremors cause widespread damage | NHCP offers guidance in protecting historic objects after magnitude 6.9 quake in Cebu
In a briefing, he also ordered the establishment of a “tent city” in Bogo City that would serve as a temporary shelter for residents displaced by the quake. The tent city is expected to offer primary services such as food, water and electricity for evacuees.
Thousands have been displaced by the magnitude 6.9 quake.
READ: Cebu quake leaves thousands displaced amid aftershocks | Philippines ends quake rescue efforts, priority now on helping the 20,000 displaced
Cebu is a popular tourist destination and a major economic hub in the country's Visayas region.
The Philippines is an archipelago of more than 7,000 islands inside the Pacific “Ring of Fire” where the majority of Earth’s volcano eruptions and earthquakes happen.
—With Rosette Adel; Newsflare via Reuters Connect
