Relief goods, medicines on their way in wake of Cebu earthquake, Baricuatro says

Authorities in Cebu are preparing to bring aid to the Cebu earthquake's epicenter in Bogo City, Gov. Pamela Baricuatro said on Wednesday morning.

Baricuatro said she ordered relief goods and medicines to be sent to Danao and proceed to Bogo City "if the roads are passable."

She said the Office of the President has sent word that it would send "immediate aid."

"The Department of Health is also on their way," Baricuatro said.

She said a trauma team is already being put together to bring medical assistance.

"Help is coming," Baricuatro said.

Magnitude 6.9

The magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck Bogo City in Cebu on Tuesday evening. Its effects were felt in areas as far as the Bicol Region.

The earthquake occurred at 9:59 p.m., according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).

The epicenter of the earthquake was located at 11.09°N, 124.13°E - 017 km N 73° E of City Of Bogo (Cebu).

The quake was initially reported as a magnitude 6.7 before being upgraded to 6.9. It had a depth of 5 km and was tectonic in origin.

Heavy damage was reported in the Cebu towns of Daanbantayan, Medellin, and San Remigio, and Bogo City.

'Widespread damage'

One of those hardest hit was the Archdiocesan Shrine of Santa Rosa de Lima in Daanbantayan, a church more than a hundred years old and a heritage landmark, according to GMA Regional TV.

The town of San Remigio reported "widespread damage and disruption to the lives of our constituents" and declared a state of calamity.

"This advisory aims to facilitate immediate response and relief efforts, including the mobilization of resources, provision of assistance to affected communities, and implementation of measures to prevent further harm," read the advisory signed by Mayor Mariano Martinez and Vice Mayor Alphonsine Corominas-Gonzales.

Medellin town reported one fatality and "many injured" being taken care of by the Medellin Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office. 

On its Facebook page, it reported the collapse of a water tank in Poblacion. The Dagunsungan and Bangon bridges were reportedly not passable.

The port of Medellin was also reportedly partially damaged, with cracks seen. –NB, GMA Integrated News