Two days after a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck her hometown in the central Philippines, Arguel Estalicas says she still feels dizzy every time she stands up. That spinning feeling, combined with aftershocks, has left the 35-year-old tourism officer and many other survivors afraid to return to their homes, forcing them to live in temporary tents.
The earthquake hit the northern coast of Cebu on the night of September 30, resulting in at least 68 deaths and over 500 injuries as buildings, homes, and roads were severely impacted. Survivors are now focused on recovery, but their struggle is compounded by essential shortages.
In Medellin town, where Estalicas lives near the quake's epicenter, disaster response officials state that nearly 80,000 people have been displaced. Survivors recount terrifying moments during the earthquake, fleeing into the night only to face further adversity without adequate shelter.
Photos shared on social media captured moments of struggle, with families using plastic bags as makeshift rain gear after spending nights exposed to the elements. Individuals joined together in solidarity to help each other amidst disaster, highlighting the Filipino spirit of bayanihan, or community support.
As relief efforts continue, the urgency for supplies like food and water intensifies, especially with ongoing impacts from natural disasters, including recent typhoons and monsoon rains that have caused flooding across the country. Despite the overwhelming challenges, survivors remain hopeful and continue to support one another as they navigate this crisis, praying that help arrives swiftly.
The earthquake hit the northern coast of Cebu on the night of September 30, resulting in at least 68 deaths and over 500 injuries as buildings, homes, and roads were severely impacted. Survivors are now focused on recovery, but their struggle is compounded by essential shortages.
In Medellin town, where Estalicas lives near the quake's epicenter, disaster response officials state that nearly 80,000 people have been displaced. Survivors recount terrifying moments during the earthquake, fleeing into the night only to face further adversity without adequate shelter.
Photos shared on social media captured moments of struggle, with families using plastic bags as makeshift rain gear after spending nights exposed to the elements. Individuals joined together in solidarity to help each other amidst disaster, highlighting the Filipino spirit of bayanihan, or community support.
As relief efforts continue, the urgency for supplies like food and water intensifies, especially with ongoing impacts from natural disasters, including recent typhoons and monsoon rains that have caused flooding across the country. Despite the overwhelming challenges, survivors remain hopeful and continue to support one another as they navigate this crisis, praying that help arrives swiftly.
