A powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck the Philippines on Monday morning, prompting an immediate response from ShelterBox USA, a Santa Barbara-based international relief organization. The quake, which hit near Mindanao Island, has resulted in more than three dozen fatalities and approximately 500 injuries, with numbers expected to rise as rescue teams reach remote areas.
Matt Saxton, Vice President of ShelterBox USA, spoke from the organization's warehouse in Cebu, describing the ongoing crisis. "It was pretty impactful.
The epicenter was off the shore by about ten kilometers. The impact really affected the southern island of Mindanao, as well as up into the region where I am right now, in Cebu," Saxton said.
He noted that the disaster zone has experienced over 200 aftershocks, some reaching magnitude 6, causing constant fear among residents.
ShelterBox USA, known for supplying tents, solar lights, and other essentials to disaster victims worldwide, quickly mobilized its resources. The organization operates a 30,000-square-foot warehouse in Cebu, strategically positioned to respond to emergencies across the Philippines.
"We have 30,000 units in a central warehouse on the island of Cebu," Saxton explained. "It's the central part of the country and really allows us to react and move things around the country, whether that's to the southern province or the northern zone area."
The earthquake has affected approximately 145,000 people, with severe structural damage reported in southern Mindanao. Saxton emphasized that the team is paying special attention to rural areas, which are often overlooked in disaster response.
The ongoing aftershocks have left many people afraid to return to buildings, increasing the demand for tents and temporary shelter.
This disaster struck on the first day of school for primary and secondary students, forcing children to evacuate to school grounds. ShelterBox has provided aid to the Philippines more than 30 times, responding to tropical storms, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions.
The organization's pre-positioned supplies in Cebu have proven critical for rapid deployment, having supported four emergency responses last year alone, including two earthquakes and two typhoons.
Saxton was already in the Philippines for disaster-preparedness meetings when the earthquake hit, allowing him to shift focus to the relief efforts. The monsoon season is underway, complicating recovery operations.
ShelterBox's team is now heading to the affected areas, preparing to distribute aid from the Cebu warehouse to communities in need.