A deadly 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck the Philippine islands of Bohol and Cebu on October 15, killing at least 144 people and affecting more than three million. The number of casualties is expected to rise as emergency responders work to gain access to some of the harder hit areas.

World Renew is coordinating with Integral Alliance to assess the extent of the damage and to facilitate assistance for affected families.

A deadly 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck the Philippine islands of Bohol and Cebu on October 15, killing at least 144 people and affecting more than three million. The number of casualties is expected to rise as emergency responders work to gain access to some of the harder hit areas.

World Renew is coordinating with Integral Alliance to assess the extent of the damage and to facilitate assistance for affected families.

“Many people have lost their homes and are in urgent need of food, water and temporary shelter,” said Wayne de Jong, World Renew’s Director of Disaster Response and Rehabilitation. “Over the long run they will also need support for reconstruction.”

While earthquakes are relatively common in the Philippines, this was one of the strongest earthquakes that most residents in this region had ever felt. Thousands of homes were completely destroyed and larger buildings, including a university, school, public market and other commercial buildings, sustained significant damage.

Government authorities are working to reach some of the worst-hit communities where roads were destroyed and power was cut-off. Many fear that the number of lives lost will significantly rise.

Please consider supporting World Renew and the Integral Alliance in their efforts to respond to this devastating quake.