Major earthquake impacts families in the Philippines

A powerful earthquake that struck off the coast of Cebu Island in the central Philippines on Sept. 30 impacted families in communities within Unbound’s Antipolo program in the Philippines, causing household damage, loss of income and trauma.

The quake, measuring at 6.9 on the Richter Scale, took the lives of dozens of people while also causing widespread destruction to homes, churches, hospitals and other infrastructure. To date, there have been no reports of deaths or serious injuries among individuals or families served by Unbound.

According to news reports, the earthquake took place at around 10 p.m., caused by an underwater fault line that has not been active for 400 years. Thousands of residents were displaced, and power outages are reported across large parts of the region. The government has declared a state of calamity in affected areas and mobilized search and rescue operations.

In areas served by Unbound’s Antipolo program, the earthquake has affected multiple families across the communities of Gaas, Buhisan, Tisa and Bacayan. Several households reported moderate cracks and damage to floors and walls in their homes. At least one family was evacuated and sought shelter with relatives.

Many families reported psychological distress including sleeplessness, trembling and intense fear. Some families have endured work suspensions and loss of income.

A 6.9 earthquake in the Philippines caused moderate damage to the floors and walls of some families' homes.

The local Unbound staff is working with families to assess needs and provide necessary support. Communities will require psychosocial support for those impacted, particularly children who are experiencing trauma. The staff is also working toward completing structural assessments of damaged homes to ensure safety. Additional financial assistance will be needed for those families unable to work following the quake.

“We are very thankful to report that we haven’t heard about any injuries or loss of life,” said Malou Navio, regional program director. “We will continue to do all we can to ensure that our families heal from the trauma of this event and that their homes are structurally sound.”

In addition to Unbound staff, local fathers groups known as ERPAT (Empowerment and Reaffirmation of Paternal Abilities) are trained and prepared to respond to disasters, including assisting with earthquake recovery. We will continue to update this story if/as new information is learned.

How to help families affected by disaster

As reports continue to come in from the field and Unbound assesses the extent of families’ needs, here are steps sponsors and others can take now to help:

• • Pray. The Unbound community is keeping all those affected and those assisting with relief efforts in our prayers.


• • Donate to the Critical Needs Fund. The fund assists families in the aftermath of events such as floods, severe storms, earthquakes and fires.