Philippines (MNN/BGR) — Believers are reaching out in Christ’s name as people shake off the nerves from yesterday’s earthquake.
A 7.2 earthquake struck the Philippines yesterday at approximately 8:30 a.m., destroying many churches and killing over 90 people; the death toll is expected to rise.
A state of calamity has been declared in Cebu and Bohol, the quake’s epicenter.
“A magnitude-seven earthquake has an energy equivalent to around 32 Hiroshima atomic bombs,” stated Renato Solidum, director of the Philippine Institute of Volcanic and Seismology. “This one had a magnitude of 7.2.”
Pat Melancon, managing director of disaster response for Baptist Global Response, reports that BGR teams are currently on the ground responding to the event through assessment activities and assistance.
“Most of the damage surrounds the areas of Cebu and Bohol,” Melancon said. “The initial phase of this response will involve determining what can best be done to address the four life-line sectors of water, food, shelter, and health.
“The teams’ activities will focus upon meeting urgent needs in the context of each community for a few days or weeks up to many months, depending upon the local situation.”
According to a bulletin issued by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the earthquake hasn’t triggered a widespread tsunami threat. However, earthquakes of this magnitude can sometimes generate local tsunamis or result in secondary effects like landslides.
BGR’s General Disaster Relief fund helps people around the world in regions affected by disaster. To help survivors of this earthquake, click here.
As BGR teams assess physical needs and develop a response plan, pray their eyes would be opened to spiritual needs as well. Pray for opportunities to share the Gospel.
