Last October 15, I was about to get up in bed and I looked at my phone to check the time. I also had 2 messages - one from my officemate and another one from my mother. I read the officemate's message first as this came in the latest and he asked if there was an earthquake in Cebu (where my family resides) since he had been informed of an earthquake in Leyte. Then I read my mother's message next which said that a strong earthquake had just struck Cebu. Her message was sent 30 minutes ago. I then called my mother immediately and she just said it was the strongest earthquake she experienced in her entire life. It was even stronger than last year's which also caused them to panic. All of them were outside the house now. And she just couldn't stop saying how really strong it was. I opened up Facebook, Twitter to check news feeds. I went downstairs and opened the TV. Indeed there was a 7.2 earthquake that hit Bohol and Cebu and other neigboring provinces. The epicenter was in Carmen, Bohol - home to the famous chocolate hills.
This is a very strong earthquake!
“A magnitude 7 earthquake has an energy equivalent to around 32 Hiroshima atomic bombs,” Renato Solidum, PHIVOLCS director said. “This one had a magnitude of 7.2.”
The earthquake destroyed thousands of structures and homes and killed hundreds of people. Old churches in Bohol are now pieces of ruble. The old church in Cebu, the Basilica del Sto Nino was not spared. A portion of its belfry fell to the ground.
Roads in Bohol are destroyed making it impassable for most vehicles except motorcycles. This made it more difficult to transport goods, food, and medicines.
Power is down as well. Drinking water is even more scarce.
I am glad my family is okay but very saddened of those heavily affected by this earthquake. My prayers are with them. I am extending my donation via World Vision.
If you wish to donate, please go to www.worldvision.org.ph/relief-response/EarthquakePH.
Filipinos, unite and rise up!
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