A magnitude 6.9 earthquake jolted the coast of Cebu Tuesday night, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.

It was initially recorded at magnitude 6.7 but was later upgraded to magnitude 6.9

The earthquake, which was tectonic in origin, occurred at a depth of 5 kilometers about 21 kilometers northeast of the City of Bogo at 9:59 p.m.

The Cebu Provincial Risk Reduction Management Office said latest casualties recorded at 69 deaths.

Phivolcs said damage and aftershocks may be expected due to the earthquake.

Phivolcs also warned of possible “minor sea-level disturbance” in the aftermath of the earthquake. The agency warned the public to be “on alert for unusual waves.”

They also advised the people in Leyte, Cebu, and Biliran to “stay away from the beach and not go to the coast” until the cancellation of the advisory.

The Cebu Provincial Risk Reduction Management Office also reported that communication and power in the municipalities of Daanbantayan and San Remegio and in Bogo City are down.

Cebu provincial governor Pamela Baricuatro urged residents to “stay calm and move to open areas; keep away from walls or structures that may collapse and stay alert for aftershocks.”

She said the provincial government was assessing the situation and reaching out to municipal officials.

The Philippine Coast Guard, for their part, said that they are in heightened alert and have quick response teams on standby including search and rescue dogs and other assets.

Archdiocesan Shrine of Santa Rosa de Lima is damaged after a magnitude 6.7 quake hit Cebu. Photo courtesy of the archdiocese photo

 The quake was felt at the following intensities:

Intensity V

Argao, Cebu

City of Sipalay, Negros Occidental

City of Lapu-Lapu

City of Tacloban

Intensity IV

San Fernando, Cebu

Bulan, Bulusan

Casiguran, Sorsogon

City Of Roxas, Capiz

City Of Himamaylan, Negros Occidental

Ubay, Bohol

Lawaan, Eastern Samar

Laoang, Northern Samar

City of Catbalogan, Samar

City of Dipolog, Zamboanga Del Norte

Intensity III

City of Legazpi, Albay

City of Iriga, Camarines Sur

Donsol, Sorsogon

Tibiao, Antique

Instrumental intensities were also recorded in parts of Cebu, Leyte, Masbate, Sorsogon, Biliran, Capiz, Northern Samar, Southern Leyte and Davao Del Sur.

Senior Science Research Specialist Erlinton Olavere said in a press conference that aftershocks are expected in the coming days and weeks. These aftershocks will likely be of a lower magnitude than the main 6.9 quake.