A 6.9-magnitude earthquake hit the Philippines on October 1, 2025, killing at least 69 people and causing major damage in Cebu.

A 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck the Philippines on October 1, 2025, killing at least 69 people and causing widespread damage in Cebu province. Thomas Markle, the estranged father of Meghan Markle, denied reports he was trapped on the 19th floor of a building or unable to walk, telling TMZ he is safe and unharmed in a hotel 100 miles from the epicenter. His half-sister Samantha Markle initially claimed he was stranded, but later confirmed he is okay and planning to leave the area. The quake, which hit at a shallow depth near Bogo City, overwhelmed hospitals and triggered landslides. Thomas, who moved to the Philippines in January 2025, has not spoken to Meghan since 2018, following a rift over his past paparazzi controversies.