Just two days after a magnitude 6.9 earthquake rocked her hometown in Cebu, Arguel Estalicas has struggled with dizziness, a reminder of the chaos unleashed on September 30th. With aftershocks continuing to rattle nerves and spirits, she, like many others, has been forced to live in a tent, unable to return to her home.
The quake has claimed the lives of at least 68 people and injured over 500, with extensive destruction reported across the island, displacing around 80,000 residents. Reports from the affected areas depict scenes reminiscent of ghost towns, rapidly transforming bustling locales into sites of despair.
When the earthquake struck, Ms. Estalicas remembers the panic as she scrambled out of bed, joining her family in fleeing outdoors. They spent the night under the open sky, huddled together, using plastic bags as makeshift raincoats amidst the light drizzle.
In nearby San Remigio, Lourenze Pareja documented the scene live on social media, capturing the fear and confusion of the moment. What was once a vibrant city has turned into a ghost town, he lamented, as the streets lay strewn with boulders and debris.
As the situation develops, the Philippine military has been deployed to help restore order and assist in ongoing relief efforts. Food, water, and basic supplies are in short supply, exacerbating the struggles of those affected. Local residents, such as photographer Doods Demape, report long queues at petrol stations and markets, with many basic necessities still hard to find.
This calamity strikes during the ongoing typhoon season, leaving communities already battered by flooding and storms to confront another disaster. Observers and locals alike recall the devastation of Super Typhoon Haiyan, which in 2013 claimed thousands of lives and has left a lasting impact on rebuilding efforts.
Despite the grim reality, survivors exhibit resilience and a spirit of bayanihan (community cooperation), echoing past experiences as they hope for timely assistance. Mr. Pareja's prayer for immediate aid underlines the urgency for support in the recovery process.
