Large earthquake strikes Philippines, Save the Children ready to respond if needed

MANILA – A 7.2 magnitude earthquake rocked the Bohol island of the Philippines on Tuesday. At a depth of 56km in a populated area, the risk for casualties and damage is expected to be high.

“Save the Children aid workers are closely monitoring the situation in Bohol and stand ready to respond to the needs of affected children and their families,” said Save the Children Country Director Anna Lindenfors from Manila.

“We are especially concerned about young children as they are always vulnerable in emergency situations, and we are already hearing reports of children being quite scared and in shock. More aftershocks from the earthquake can be expected, so it is hard to know the full extent of damage at this stage.”

“Our trained staff are on alert and will mount a response if needed.  Our primary concern at this stage is the safety and wellbeing of the children affected.”

Save the Children has been working in the Philippines since 1981 and has a long experience responding to emergencies in the Philippines. The aid agency mounted large-scale emergency responses to Typhoon Washi in 2011 and Typhoon Ketsana in 2009, and most recently to last year’s Typhoon Bopha and Manila floods. 

For interviews, please call April Sumaylo at +63 (0) 9057487684 or email at april.sumaylo@savethechildren.org