Students from different schools formed a human chain to assist earthquake relief efforts in Cebu.
Footage shows young volunteers repacking supplies at Capitol Heritage Park, Cebu City, preparing them for distribution to families affected by the disaster.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said the earthquake struck at 9:59 pm local time on Tuesday at a depth of 5 kilometers.
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.
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
“At least in the last 400 years, the fault that generated the earthquake there only moved again now. So it took a long time to move, that is why it was strong. This is based on our catalogue,” Phivolcs seismology chief Dr. Winchelle Ian Sevilla said.
Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro said she is already in touch with national agencies and the Office of the President to ask for reinforcements.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. himself visited the affected areas in Bogo City to inspect the damage and assess the help needed by displaced residents. He was joined by Cabinet secretaries.
The Office of the President pledged P50 million aid for the victims. Marcos has also ordered the setup of “tent city” in the epicenter, Bogo City, that would offer food, water, electricity, shelter and other needs of evacuees.
READ: Cebu quake leaves thousands displaced amid aftershocks | Philippines ends quake rescue efforts, priority now on helping the 20,000 displaced
The province is a popular tourist destination and a major economic hub in the country’s Visayas region.
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—With Rosette Adel; Newsflare via Reuters Connect
