Map of the Philippines

February 7, 2012: An earthquake measuring 6.7 on the Richter scale struck Negros Island, in the south-central Philippines, on Monday morning, February 6, local time. Thirteen people are confirmed dead from the landslides and collapsed buildings caused by the quake, whose epicenter was in a strip of sea off the island. Hundreds of residents are injured.

Family homes in Guihulngan, a city in Negros Oriental Province, are buried in rubble, and dozens of people are reported missing. According to reports, so far the biggest loss of life occurred at a college. Among those who lost their lives across the region, two are children who died from collapsed walls in the towns of Jimalalud and Tayasan.

Fortunately, the children cared for in SOS Children’s Villages across the country have been unaffected. 

Normal Life Suspended

The Philippines is prone to destructive earthquakes, floods, and tropical storms, and the loss of lives and infrastructure is often acute. In 1990, 2,000 residents died in a 7.7 quake that shook the island of Luzon; the Mindanao Island quake of 1976 claimed 6,000 lives.

This week’s earthquake was followed by two aftershocks. Although tsunamis are not expected, the government has warned coastal area residents to be prepared. The damage has knocked out power lines and closed bridges and roads. Schools and other public offices have shut down.

At times of disaster, children are especially traumatized by the loss of life, property, and everything familiar to them. One of the eight SOS Children’s Villages in the Philippines is located on Mindanao, an island south of where the latest earthquake occurred. The SOS Children’s Village on Mindanao will open its arms to children affected by the quake who need emergency or longer term shelter.

SOS’s Fifty-Year History in the Philippines

A family together in their living room

Since 1964 SOS Children’s Villages has been providing Filipino children who lack parental care with loving homes, an education, and a supportive community. During natural disasters, SOS also delivers emergency aid to children and families.

More than 700 children in this archipelago nation are being raised by warm SOS Mothers in homes where they enjoy the companionship of SOS siblings. In addition, through SOS-run schools, clinics, and Family Strengthening Programs, almost 7,000 needy residents benefit from services that give them hope for a better future.

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