A magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck the Philippines near Mindanao Island, causing significant casualties and damage. ShelterBox USA, based in Santa Barbara, is responding with aid from its Cebu warehouse.
- Over 145,000 people affected and severe structural damage in southern Mindanao. - More than 200 aftershocks, some magnitude 6, continue to rattle the region.
- ShelterBox has pre-positioned 30,000 units of supplies in Cebu for rapid deployment. - The earthquake hit on the first day of school, forcing children to evacuate.
The organization's team is focusing on rural areas and expects ongoing need for tents due to aftershock fears.