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 too scared to return to their homes, forcing them to live in temporary shelters.
The earthquake shook the northern coast of Cebu on the night of September 30, jolting many out of their sleep. It killed at least 68 people and left over 500 injured, as homes and buildings collapsed. I still couldn't process what has happened to us, Estalicas told the BBC. I am overwhelmed with the things we experienced in the last two days.
The disaster has displaced nearly 80,000 people across Cebu and neighboring provinces, leading many to seek refuge outdoors with minimal shelter. Photos circulating on social media depicted families wrapping up in plastic bags, trying to shield themselves from the rain.
Survivors like Lourenze Pareja described their harrowing nights spent under the stars, using their phones to livestream the chaos around them. What was once a vibrant city has turned into a ghost town, he said.
The Philippines lies in the geologically unstable Ring of Fire, making it susceptible to earthquakes and natural disasters. The recent earthquake was among the strongest in recent years, displacing not just people but also disrupting essential services like food and water supply.
As rescue efforts continue, the Philippine military has deployed troops to maintain order amidst relief operations. However, many residents continue to face immediate challenges in obtaining basic necessities, adding to their distress amid the ongoing typhoon season. Despite the hardships, survivors remain hopeful for assistance and showcase the spirit of community resilience, aiding each other in the wake of disaster.
The earthquake shook the northern coast of Cebu on the night of September 30, jolting many out of their sleep. It killed at least 68 people and left over 500 injured, as homes and buildings collapsed. I still couldn't process what has happened to us, Estalicas told the BBC. I am overwhelmed with the things we experienced in the last two days.
The disaster has displaced nearly 80,000 people across Cebu and neighboring provinces, leading many to seek refuge outdoors with minimal shelter. Photos circulating on social media depicted families wrapping up in plastic bags, trying to shield themselves from the rain.
Survivors like Lourenze Pareja described their harrowing nights spent under the stars, using their phones to livestream the chaos around them. What was once a vibrant city has turned into a ghost town, he said.
The Philippines lies in the geologically unstable Ring of Fire, making it susceptible to earthquakes and natural disasters. The recent earthquake was among the strongest in recent years, displacing not just people but also disrupting essential services like food and water supply.
As rescue efforts continue, the Philippine military has deployed troops to maintain order amidst relief operations. However, many residents continue to face immediate challenges in obtaining basic necessities, adding to their distress amid the ongoing typhoon season. Despite the hardships, survivors remain hopeful for assistance and showcase the spirit of community resilience, aiding each other in the wake of disaster.
