Philippines: At Least 72 Dead After 6.9 Magnitude Earthquake

At least 72 people have died and 294 were injured after a powerful 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck Cebu Island in the Philippines on Tuesday, according to the latest report from the civil defense service.

The earthquake caused buildings to collapse, bridges to be destroyed, and widespread power outages. Rescue teams are continuing their search efforts, and the number of victims may increase.

The quake was the deadliest to hit the country in the last decade, after the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that struck Bohol Island in 2013 and killed 222 people.

The Philippines is located in the so-called "Ring of Fire" in the Pacific, an area of intense seismic and volcanic activity.