Latter-day Saints affected by second major earthquake in the Philippines – Church News

Just over a week after a powerful earthquake devastated Cebu and neighboring provinces, another strong tremor has hit the southern Philippines, this time off the coast of Manay, Davao East, Mindanao.

On October 10, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology recorded a magnitude 7.4 earthquake, which was followed by nearly 300 aftershocks, with the strongest reaching magnitude 5.8. The shaking was felt across much of Mindanao, causing temporary evacuations and power outages in several provinces.

Missionaries and members safe

Regional leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have confirmed that all full-time missionaries serving in Mindanao are safe and unaccounted for. Three missionary apartments developed cracks during the magnitude of the tremor, but after inspection they were cleared for continued use.

Although many members of the Church were directly affected by the earthquake, there were no reported injuries or deaths among Latter-day Saints.

Meetinghouse shelters families in need

Most residents have since returned to their homes, but some families, including those of other faiths, have taken refuge in Latter-day Saint meetinghouses. The shrines are currently serving as temporary shelters, providing a safe place to sleep and also providing access to food and clean water, according to a Philippine Newsroom social media post.

Local congregations quickly organized to care for the evacuees. Volunteers prepared and distributed hot meals and other emergency necessities.

Minor damage to church facilities

Several meetinghouses in the area are assessed as structurally sound with minor cosmetic damage.

Regional and local leaders continue to assess the needs of Latter-day Saints and their friends.

Relief operations continue across the Philippines

The Mindanao earthquake occurred days after Latter-day Saints in the Visayas launched a massive relief effort following the Oct. 2 Cebu earthquake that claimed dozens of lives. Despite successive disasters, church members across the Philippines rallied in faith, unity, and service.