Photo credit: Pam Baricuatro - The People's Governor

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) announced on Wednesday that they are currently in the process of validating reports of 26 deaths and 147 injuries following the strong magnitude 6.9 earthquake. The quake struck Bogo City, Cebu, and surrounding provinces late Tuesday night.

According to the agency's 8 a.m. situational report, all reported fatalities and injuries that are still undergoing verification were sustained within Region 7 (Central Visayas).

In the wake of the powerful tremor, the NDRRMC also confirmed that class suspensions are in effect across 46 municipalities in Region 7. Additionally, four towns within the region have taken the step of suspending work within their respective jurisdictions.

As of the time of this report, the NDRRMC has not yet released official figures regarding the total number of affected families or the full extent of the structural and related damage caused by the earthquake.