ShelterBox USA Mobilizes After Major Earthquake Rattles the Philippines
Patricia Martellotti
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – A Santa Barbara-based disaster relief agency is responding after a powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck the Philippines.
ShelterBox USA is preparing emergency shelter and essential supplies for thousands of people.
For thousands of families, the search for safety is now underway.
“A 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit in Southern Philippines,” said senior manager Emily Halpin of ShelterBox USA.
Since resources are already stored in the Philippines, aid can begin moving quickly to impacted communities.
“Maybe tens of thousands of families will have their homes damaged or just completely destroyed because there are many part of our target group,” said Halpin.
For families forced from their homes, finding a safe place to stay is often the first challenge after a disaster.
ShelterBox has responded to earthquakes, typhoons and other disasters across the Philippines for years.
That experience is helping teams move quickly.
“It’s extremely tragic and it’s happening all the time all over the world that’s why we exist … these situations are happening more frequently with seeing the amount of displaced people going up a year after year,” said Halpin.
Relief efforts are continuing as crews work to reach families and determine what support is needed next.
The organization already has aid stockpiled in the country for a rapid response.
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