Responding to The Philippines Earthquake (Cebu Island)
At 9:59 p.m. on September 30 (10:59 p.m. Japan time), a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck off the coast of Cebu Island in the Philippines. The epicenter was approximately 10 kilometers deep, and tremors measuring seismic intensity 5 to 6- were felt across Cebu Island.
The earthquake caused extensive damage, particularly in northern Cebu. As of October 1, Philippine government sources confirmed 72 deaths, 294 injuries, and more than 20,000 people displaced. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has recorded over 300 aftershocks and continues to urge residents to exercise caution.
On October 1, an emergency team composed of two nurses and one coordinator from Japan departed for Cebu City. The following day, October 2, they began on-the-ground assessments of damage and humanitarian needs.
Conditions in northern Cebu
The team headed toward Bogo City, one of the hardest-hit areas, encountering landslides, fallen rocks, and people displaying handmade signs reading “HELP” and “No food or water.” Peace Winds is concerned that residents in rural communities may not receive timely aid.
Upon entering Bogo City, the extent of the destruction became clear. Many buildings were severely damaged; electricity and water service were disrupted; and even the city hall had collapsed. The atmosphere was chaotic, with conflicting information circulating and local authorities overwhelmed.
In nearby towns, families who had lost loved ones to earthquake-triggered landslides prayed beside the bodies in churches. Many evacuees were sleeping outdoors on mattresses, fearful of aftershocks and unable to enter damaged buildings.
Peace Winds’ emergency team is gathering information from the Philippine Ministry of Health and local officials to identify the most urgent needs in northern Cebu and surrounding municipalities.
How Donations Will Be Used
Peace Winds will assess needs on the ground and deliver assistance to those affected by the disaster, drawing on the organization’s long experience in disaster response and evacuation-shelter support.
Planned support activities include distribution of essential materials such as food, water, and household supplies, as well as additional support based on locally identified needs.
To donate to the Philippines earthquake response, please choose “The Philippines Response” in the donation dropdown menu. Contributions will help Peace Winds provide emergency relief and support for long-term recovery.
Peace Winds’ Longstanding Work in the Philippines
Peace Winds has been engaged in humanitarian and disaster-relief activities in the Philippines for more than two decades. Following Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) in 2013, Peace Winds delivered emergency shelter, clean-water systems, and medical assistance in Leyte and Samar. The organization has since supported livelihood recovery, disaster-preparedness training, and health services in partnership with local governments and communities across the archipelago.
Peace Winds has repeatedly deployed aircraft, helicopters, and medical personnel in Japan and overseas – including during typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions – to reach remote areas quickly when public infrastructure is down. The current mission in Cebu continues this commitment: standing with communities in crisis, delivering timely aid, and helping people rebuild their lives.
Follow us on Facebook for more updates here