Two days after a magnitude 6.9 earthquake shook her hometown in the central Philippines, Arguel Estalicas feels dizzy each time she stands. The earthquake's aftershocks haunt her and fellow survivors, forcing them to live in temporary tents as they long to return home.
The quake hit on the night of September 30, primarily affecting Cebu, one of the nation’s most populous islands, resulting in at least 68 deaths and over 500 injuries. Destruction was widespread with homes, buildings, and churches collapsing, spreading panic among residents.
Displaced from her home in Medellin, near the earthquake's epicenter, Estalicas described the trauma of getting out of bed screaming and rushing outdoors with her family as the ground shook beneath them. They spent the night under the open sky, using plastic bags for shelter against light rain.
About 10 kilometers away, community journalist Lourenze Pareja livestreamed the chaos as families fled their homes. He expressed profound sadness as he witnessed his once vibrant city turning into a ghost town filled with rubble.
The Philippines, lying on the geologically unstable 'Ring of Fire', is frequently plagued by earthquakes. The recent quake is regarded as one of the strongest in recent years, echoing the memories of the catastrophic 7.2-magnitude earthquake in Bohol in 2013. Rescue efforts are ongoing, focusing on providing food, water, and restoring vital infrastructure.
However, immediate needs remain unmet. Many residents are struggling to find essential supplies as the aftermath of the earthquake coincides with a harsh typhoon season, creating additional complications in relief efforts. Reports detail long lines for basic resources, underscoring the urgency for assistance.
Despite these challenges, stories of resilience and bayanihan—a Filipino spirit of communal unity—emerge as neighbors band together to support one another. Survivors like Estalicas and Pareja remain hopeful for swift aid, determined to rebuild and endure just as they did after previous disasters.
