Mindanao Earthquake Survivor Recounts Trauma and Loss
Quick Look
- A survivor of the June 8 earthquake in southern Mindanao, Philippines, expressed deep trauma and shock, lamenting that he would have saved his belongings if he had known the disaster would strike.
- The 6.8 magnitude quake damaged or destroyed nearly 68,000 homes, injured over 1,300 people, and left 33 missing, also triggering tsunami warnings.
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Why It Matters
A strong earthquake struck southern Mindanao on June 8, causing widespread damage to homes and infrastructure and triggering tsunami warnings. Social workers are providing aid to affected individuals.
“If only I had known this was going to happen, I would have picked them up,” he told This Week in Asia, as social workers pressed government cash aid into his hands.
“I feel traumatised. I’m in shock and I still can’t accept what happened.”
Nearly 68,000 homes were damaged or destroyed when the quake hit southern Mindanao on June 8. More than 1,300 people were injured and 33 are still missing.
The tremor triggered tsunami warnings along the southern coast and in neighbouring countries, as it crumpled schools and government buildings in General Santos, the largest and most populous affected city.
Open Questions
- What was the exact magnitude of the earthquake?
- What is the current status of the missing persons?
