It was just an ordinary, peaceful night in our house, just like the nights we sleep comfortably together and with trust in the place we once called home. Again, it was just an ordinary night, but what was supposed to be one of those comfortable ones turned the lives of Northern Cebuanos into a version of massacre and turmoil that we know not when will stop.
A 6.9 magnitude earthquake hit Northern Cebu in the middle of a hollow, warm night on September 30, 9:59 P.M. Most were sleeping, while some were wide awake. According to reports, this quake was shallow, just 5 kilometers deep, hence the seismic waves that traveled to the surface were still strong enough to destroy homes, buildings, and even take lives. It was 400 years since the plate of this place had last moved, making it unusual for us to experience—and it ravaged the whole north.
I never expected to experience an earthquake in this place because ever since, we were told that the casualties of experiencing earthquakes here are not large since this is just a passing ground for quakes. But it happened, worse than we imagined.
At least 72 deaths are recorded after the earthquake hit, and hundreds are injured. Homes turned into dust, schools collapsed, churches succumbed, and some lives were lost. It hit us with a loud bang below but struck us emotionally and physically in tremendous ways we could never foresee. A lot has happened in three days, and we are still experiencing aftershocks of varying magnitudes. Even while writing this, an aftershock occurred that lasted for at least 15 seconds. I have seen posts in Hive about this earthquake, but I will write mine.
**SLEEPING ON GROUNDS, STREETS, AND ANY PLACES SAFE FROM DEBRIS FOR THREE NIGHTS NOW**
People have no choice but to sleep outside their houses—if they still have one—because aftershocks are still occurring consistently, for at least three days now. We sleep in any place safer than our homes: some in open grounds, in big vehicles, on streets, and even in animal cages just to make sure they are safe. We are now building little houses using used tarpaulins and scrap materials good enough to serve as roofs since it drizzles sometimes. And this is where the dilemma occurs: it drizzles and rains, and we get soaked wet if we don’t go to sheltered places. But shelters now are not safe because of the ongoing aftershocks. Imagine the dilemma.
**INSUFFICIENT WATER AND FOOD SUPPLY, BUT WATER IS WHAT EVERYONE NEEDS THE MOST**
Kids on the street are begging for water and food, while adults seek at least one meal to get through the day. Neighboring regions are coming to help with relief goods for the survivors, but what was supposed to be good news made the community furious and chaotic.
When you see the next photo, haven’t you asked in the first place why the kids are doing it? Many supplies are reported to have been delivered to gymnasiums and city halls, but little are released to the people. There are unequalities and conflict of interest even in this situtation and it is frustrating. Reports said they still need to go through formal processes such as asking permission from authorities, barangay captains, and counselors. Some are not given relief goods if they don’t evacuate to the said places, which are not safer than the grounds we are on now. Water is scarce, and everyone is securing it for the next days.
**COMPLETE BLACKOUT**
Just milliseconds after the quake started, the northern people experienced a complete blackout that continues until now. Emergency calls could not be made on the first day because there was no way to charge our phones. Luckily, there are now specific places where we can charge, but we are still saving battery for the next few days.
**ALL WALKS OF LIFE RUN FOR RELIEF GOODS WITHOUT CERTAINTY**
Some car patrols move from place to place and distribute water bottles and packed lunches, but they are private groups and their supplies are limited. For three days, I have seen how my neighbors run towards the street as fast as they can just to grab what is distributed. Each bottle and each pack of food matters at this time.
**RELEVANT BUILDINGS, ROADS, AND STORES DESTROYED, ADDING TO THE SCARCITY OF FOOD AND WATER SUPPLIES**
The roads are sliced in two, buildings are tilted while others gradually collapse because of the 2,792 aftershocks that are still occurring. Relevant department stores and warehouses are destroyed, so people cannot buy essentials. Banks are closed because some branches are destroyed.
What is happening now is stronger than us. All we can do is pray and search for essentials in order to survive. I don’t know what will happen in the next hours, but I wish this will end soon so we can start our recovery, especially rebuilding our homes.
**HOW YOU CAN HELP**
If you are reading this and you have in mind to help us, the Northern Cebuanos, here are the things we are in desperate need of:
**Tents – for families sleeping outside without shelter
Water – clean drinking water is the most urgent need
Food – rice, canned goods, and ready-to-eat meals
Blankets – to keep children and elders warm during nights outside
Power banks – for communication and emergency calls
Clothes – especially for those who lost everything**
If you want to extend help, even in small amounts or items, please message me. I will make sure to share the donations transparently with the community.
Above all, prayers are what we need most right now. Our safety is still in danger, but we hope for the best in the next few hours. Many Hivers are residing in Bogo, San Remigio, and other parts of Northern Cebu, and they might not be active now. Please also read @indayclara’s post if you happen to pass on her blog.