16K individuals affected by Cebu earthquake receive aid from GMA Kapuso Foundation

A total of 16,000 individuals who were affected by the 6.9-magnitude earthquake in Cebu on September 30 have received aid from GMA Kapuso Foundation. 

According to a "24 Oras" report Wednesday, Gesan Bolotano, a fisherman, was among those whose home was damaged due to the strong tremor. His house then burned down four days after the quake due to an electrical short circuit. 

Nevertheless, Gesan continued to help his neighbors who had resorted to sleeping outdoors due to fear of aftershocks, providing them with plastic bags as protection from the rain. 

"Malakas na ang ulan. Naisipan ko, kumuha ako ng plastic para sa isda namin. [Kapag nandoon] kami sa laot, 'yun ang [ginagamit] namin pag umulan. Pumasok kami sa plastic, nakaupo kami," he said. 

Gesan is now seeking assistance to help rebuild his home. 

To provide lift to the victims of the earthquake, GMA Kapuso Foundation headed to northern Cebu in Medellin, San Remigio, and Bogo to distribute tents as temporary shelter. The foundation also gave food packs, bread, and drinking water to the residents. 

A total of 16,000 individuals have thus far benefitted from its continued relief operations. 

A 6.9-magnitude earthquake rocked Cebu in the evening of September 30. More than 9,000 aftershocks have since been recorded by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) as of Wednesday morning. 

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) also reported Wednesday that the number of damaged houses in the province has increased to 62,531 amid ongoing aftershocks. Of this number, 57,677 houses were partially damaged, while 4,854 were totally damaged. 

For those who wish to support GMA Kapuso Foundation's projects, donations may be made via Metrobank, Land Bank, BDO, Bank of Commerce, UnionBank, PNB, Cebuana Lhuillier, GCash, Lazada, and Shopee. Visit the GMA Kapuso Foundation website for more information.

—CDC, GMA Integrated News