Cebu, Philippines, Oct 1: The death toll from a powerful 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck central Philippines has climbed to 69, authorities said on Wednesday, as rescue operations intensified to locate survivors amid widespread damage and power outages.

The shallow quake hit late Tuesday off Cebu island, one of the strongest in a decade, injuring at least 150 people and overwhelming hospitals near the epicentre. Civil Defense official Jane Abapo, citing provincial disaster agency figures, said the toll stood at 69 but remains subject to validation.

Rescue teams continue to search collapsed structures in San Remigio, Bogo City, and nearby towns. Local officials reported children as young as 12 among the dead, and Vice Mayor Alfie Reynes confirmed that some casualties occurred when a

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