ADRA was on the frontlines when Philippines’ southern island of Mindanao was hit by a series of earthquakes during the month of October.
A magnitude 6.3 earthquake shook the island on October 16, followed by earthquakes measuring magnitudes of 6.6 and 6.5 on October 29 and 31, respectively.
ADRA Philippines distributed 300 emergency shelter repair kits to families in Cotabato whose homes were destroyed by the epicentre of the first earthquake.
When the second earthquake hit, ADRA was deployed the same day to distribute cash assistance to residents in the city of Kidapawan.
Ten people were killed when the third earthquake toppled buildings that were damaged in the previous earthquakes. The amount of casualties rose to 20 following a series of landslides that destroyed more than 21,000 homes.
ADRA is currently conducting needs assessments and evaluating next steps in tackling the major damage resulting from the third earthquake.
“Whether the last three earthquakes will be followed by more, we cannot know for certain,” said ADRA emergency responder Jerry Requillo. “Residents in the area are warned to always be prepared and to always have a ‘go-bag’ or emergency kit nearby in case of evacuation.”
To support ADRA’s emergency response in Mindanao, please visit their website.
