The earthquake hit the northern tip of Cebu island in the central Philippines, a region also known as the Visayas islands.

It struck north-east of the coastal city of Bogo, around two hours by car from the provincial capital, also called Cebu.

Cebu is the economic and political center of the Visayas, home to an international airport and its sea ports connect carto and commuters to country’s main islands.

Like most of the Visayas it is also home to white sand tourist beaches, diverse wildlife, and century-old Catholic churches.

Its residents, the Cebuanos, take pride in their own language and regional culture that is distinct from the capital, Manila.