Aftermath of A Quake

February 6, 2012 - A 6.8 magnitude earthquake rocked the entire Negros Island, Cebu, and some parts of Mindanao. 

Credits to Ike Pacana Photography.

I have been trying to blog about it for some time but the aftershocks keep on getting to me. It is now two weeks later. So, instead of the earthquake photos, I will just post photos of people reaching out to the communities affected by the massive quake. The places massively hit were Jimalalud, Tayasan, La Libertad, and Guihulngan. These towns are all in Negros Oriental, Philippines. A landslide also resulted from that quake contributing to the increase of fatalities.

A photo from the La Libertad landslide. According to the photographer's caption, this is the 4th body to be excavated.
Credits to Mr. Ike Pacana. You take great photos, Sir!

San Carlos City, my hometown, felt the ground shake, too. The glass windows in the only mall (Gaisano) in our humble city were shattered. What  was even more alarming was the tsunami scare brought on by the Tsunami Alert #2. The people living near the coastal areas were evacuating to higher grounds. Everybody was in a panic. Thankfully, it was just a false alarm. Everybody returned safely to their homes.

Thus, it is heartwarming to see photos of the people from my hometown travelling all the way to the affected areas to help out. A day after the quake, my Facebook friends were already abuzz of how they can help out the people in Guihulngan (the nearest affected area from San Carlos City). Statuses were filled with solicitations for water, food, or any kind of help anyone could extend.

Here are some photos stolen from my FB News Feed:

The Ongbontic Kids and Special Forces (SF) Airsoft Team Distribute Rice & Goods in Guihulngan

From Grace Anne's FB

Free Cellphone Charging Station by Graphics & Prints (GAP)

GAP's owner, Pangging Atienza, spearheaded the Cellphone Charging Operation. There has been no electricity since the earthquake. Hence, many of the victims were not able to communicate with loved ones who were worrying for their safety.

They were able to charge 3,065 cellphones in 10hours!

A medical mission by the San Carlos City Health Office

My HS classmate, now a nurse, checking a Guihulngan resident's blood pressure.

I am in awe of the generous spirits of the people of San Carlos. There were still aftershocks then and I'm sure they too were scared when they travelled to Guihulngan. But their hesitations were defeated by their willingness to help those in need.

 Bravo to you, my dear friends! May the Lord bless you with great abundance!