The need to move to an open space may protect survivors of an earthquake-struck area from the immediate dangers that potential aftershocks can do to unstable structures. But the moment rain pours, it compounds the hardship that displaced individuals have to bear. 

This scenario happened in northern Cebu after a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck evening on September 30, 2025.

Rain fell and exacerbated the sorry state of displaced residents who do not have much of a choice but to sleep outdoors, or under makeshift shelters because of over 2,000 aftershocks recorded, some of which measured between magnitude 4.9 to 5.0. 

A family in Barangay Anapog, San Remigio, Cebu slept in a pigpen to protect children and a senior citizen from the rain. 

Despite the situation, netizen Jainabjan Eballena, who posted photographs of their family seeking shelter in a pig sty, is thankful to the Lord that they are all safe.

"Salamat gihapon kaayo Lord, importante safe ra akong Mama, Lola ug mga ig-agaw nakong gagmay pa kaayo," a portion of Eballena's post reads. 

San Remigio is one of towns in northern Cebu heavily affected by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake. 

Residents of Barangay Pandan Mahawak in Medellin town wrapped themselves in plastic as protection from the rain that poured later in the evening of September 30, 2025.

The residents stayed at an open space because of the strong aftershocks that night. 

With electric power still out, several residents of Medellin have chosen to stay by the roadside.  

A resident named “Danny” uploaded a video on his way home to Medellin to bring food and water to his family and neighbors affected by the quake only to see the other residents settling by the road. 

"We are knocking on your kind hearts to help us in this difficult situation," Danny wrote. 

(Courtesy: Jainabjan Eballena, Arg de Real/ via Decemay Padilla/GMA Super Radyo Cebu, Danny/FB via GMA Regional TV Balitang Bisdak)