09/06/2026
A powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Mindanao in the Philippines at 7:37 local time, just as millions of children were returning to school for the first day of the academic year.
So far, 19 people have died and 129 have been injured, with numbers expected to increase as assessments continue.
World Vision teams in Mindanao are safe and checking on the wellbeing of children, families, and staff across the affected provinces as aftershocks continue.
“We are continually monitoring the safety of children, their families, and all staff in the affected areas to ensure that everyone is accounted for… Many remain shaken and are experiencing dizziness following the earthquake and aftershocks.”
Elizabeth Delgado, World Vision Operations Manager for Mindanao
Children have described the fear and confusion as the quake hit during school ceremonies: “Some of our classmates were crying… The teachers helped us stay safe and told us to ‘duck, cover, and hold.’”
Kurt, 16, World Vision assisted child
World Vision staff in the Philippines have also shared their experiences of rushing to safety amid falling debris and power outages.
Dr Herbert Carpio, World Vision Philippines National Director, emphasised: “In disasters of this magnitude, children are often the most vulnerable… We stand ready to respond with emergency relief and child protection interventions.”
🙏 Please pray for children and their families in the Philippines as they face fear, disruption, and uncertainty in the hours ahead.
🧡 World Vision is there. Keep checking for updates as our teams assess needs and support affected children and families.
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