Earthquake in Bohol Island, Philippines

A 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck the central Philippine island of Bohol on 15 October. The earthquake struck at 8:12am causing widespread panic, the Philippine volcanology agency have reported at least 20 aftershocks following the initial quake.

The epicentre was measured about 50 kilometres beneath Carmen City causing widespread damage to its buildings. The local Government has declared a state of Calamity for the provinces of Bohol and Cebu.

The death toll is reported to be 93 with over 260 people injured. Many more people have been displaced and there are reports of an unknown amount of people trapped in a damaged hospital. A number of roads and bridges were also damaged with the densely populated Cebu City being particularly badly damaged.

Windy weather, damaged infrastructure and power cuts have made rescue operations difficult. Local authorities are setting up tents to provide shelter for the tens of thousands of people displaced by the earthquake.