In the aftermath of a 6.9 magnitude earthquake that struck Cebu, Philippines, on September 30, residents are grappling with the emotional and physical toll of the disaster. Among them, 35-year-old Arguel Estalicas experiences dizziness every time she stands due to the trauma of the quake and subsequent aftershocks. Many survivors, including Estalicas, have been forced to reside in tents, as fears of returning to their homes loom large.
The earthquake claimed at least 68 lives and caused significant injuries, with over 500 people needing medical attention. Homes, churches, and infrastructure crumbled, with disaster response teams reporting nearly 80,000 displaced people in Cebu and nearby regions. Estalicas and her family found themselves sleeping under the stars and later resorted to using plastic bags for shelter during a sudden downpour.
Footage taken during the chaos reveals residents fleeing their homes in the dark, signs of panic punctuating the stillness of the night. Lourenze Pareja, a community journalist, live-streamed the frantic scenes as neighbors evacuated with their loved ones.
The Philippine government is mobilizing relief efforts, seeking to provide food, water, and medical supplies to those affected. Despite difficulties in transportation, local citizens like photographer Doods Demape are taking it upon themselves to secure necessary resources for their communities.
This earthquake exemplifies the Philippines' vulnerability to natural disasters, occurring amid an already challenging typhoon season with recent floods exacerbating the situation. As fear and uncertainty permeate the air in Cebu, survivors hold on to hope as they band together in a communal spirit of bayanihan, offering each other support during these trying times.
