An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.2 caused the deaths of 85 people in the central region of the Philippines. The quake toppled buildings, knocked over historic churches and sent residents running terrified into deadly stampedes.
Panic followed as people started filling the streets following the 8:12 a.m. quake. The quake was centered nearly 20 miles below Carmen Town, which is on Bohol Island, where a number of buildings were destroyed, roads broken up and bridges became impassable or collapsed.
Cebu, one of the most densely populated cities also was hit with extensive damage. The city is located on the opposite side of a narrow strait from Bohol. People were killed when a market roof and fish port fell on them.
In a gym in Cebu, a stampede was set off by the quake. People make lines there to receive cash assistance but the stampede killed five and injured at least eight others.
In a city nearby, 18 were injured when a mad scramble to the door of building that was shaking ensued.
Police reported in Bohol that 69 deaths came from there, where the quake shook close to the town of Carmen. In Cebu, 15 deaths have been confirmed and rescuers were searching for those they believe are alive but trapped.
The quake was centered in an area inland and did not cause any tsunami.
Schools and offices were closed due to a national holiday, which could have helped save lives.
This quake was also deeper in the ground than last year’s 6.9 magnitude quake that hit in the waters near Negros Island.
One witness said the quake took place when she was in her room and it sounded as if a huge truck was approaching as the rumbling noise grew louder and louder as the rolling, got closer.
She ran outside and cold see the concrete electric poles swaying and said the entire shaking lasted at least 20 seconds.

Deborah Campbell
