Exactly four years ago today, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake rocked my hometown Bohol, leaving it with so many casualties and with an estimated damage of P2.5 billion.

So what happened then?

At exactly 8:12 am, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck Bohol with its epicenter at 2 kilometers southeast of Carmen, which is known for its chocolate hills and tarsiers.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported that the earthquake was equivalent to 32 Hiroshima bombs, even deadlier than the 2010 Haiti quake, which had a 7.0 magnitude, and was the strongest in Bohol in 23 years, the last one being in February 1990 with a 6.8 magnitude.

The Aftereffect

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council’s 2013 report stated that 222 people died, 976 were injured and 8 people were missing, all around cities in Bohol, Cebu, Iloilo, Siquijor and Negros Oriental.

A total of 73,061 infrastructures were damaged, including major roads and bridges. The quake also damaged cultural treasures, such as limestone churches dating back to the Spanish era. The country’s oldest church, the Basilica of the Holy Child in Cebu, lost its bell tower while a 17th century Loboc Church turned to rubble.

Help Received

Aside from the help from the government, the casualties also received help and assistance from the international bodies especially the rehabilitation and restoration of the schools destroyed by the earthquake as well as their livelihood.

I was there

A few months after my College graduation, I was sent back to Bohol for my medication. While recovering, I did some part time jobs or I’ll die of boredom. I thought it’s gonna be just an ordinary Tuesday at work but then I noticed that my laptop was shaking, the next thing I knew I was hysterically calling my Aunt to come out of the house because there’s an earthquake. I never did once believe when they said that it’s going to be the end of the world in 2013 but on that day, while I was crawling my way out of the house, I’m positive it’s true and it’s happening at that time. The ground was shaking so hard that I thought for a moment that the house was going to turn upside down. While outside, people were crying hysterically and singing praises to the One above hoping for the earthquake to stop.

I didn’t cry while the ground was shaking. I guess it was because I was in a total shock. I can’t believe it’s happening, that the world is ending while I’m still a virgin! Hehe, yep. That’s what’s really inside my head and I was dead serious at that time.

After a few minutes, it stopped. Then there’s a series of aftershocks after that. I was at my Aunt’s place that day because we don’t have an internet connection at home. And speaking of home, I was really worried about my grandmother because she can’t walk properly. I know it won’t help worrying but when you really are in a situation like that, you can’t help it. I can’t leave my old Aunt alone so I asked my cousin, who luckily was with me at that time to go home and see if everybody was ok.

I was relieved to know that everybody was ok but was stricken to find out about the damages our house received especially with our bathroom. You see, my grandma takes a while when she’s in the toilet so imagine if she was there during the earthquake, what would have happened?! 

We can’t stay in our house because it’s not safe anymore so together with some neighbors, we made a camp outside. There’s no water and no electricity and I guess it was restored after a week. It was really hard especially if there’s an elder you need to take care of but good thing I have an Aunt who lives far away from the epicenter so they just scarcely felt the earthquake and we sent grandma with her.

The next day after, there’s some commotion near the docks (we live near the river). The bridge connecting the other towns to the city was destroyed by the earthquake so the means of transportation was through boats. There’s a lot of people crossing, mostly those that were badly injured. It was really awful. I just can’t exactly explain what the atmosphere was that day and all throughout the week after the earthquake. It was just horrifying. I’m just lucky no one got hurt in my family and our house wasn’t torn to pieces like what happened to others.

Not a month after, a super typhoon Yolanda hit the neighboring town, also considered as the world’s strongest tropical storm. I thought that’s going to be the last one we are going to endure that year, but a few days after that, I noticed that there’s a lump growing just near my left breast which really scared the crap out of me! Now you see why I hate 2013 now?

But even if that’s the case, I will never ever forget 2013, especially the exact date of the earthquake that shook Bohol. If I could have a superpower, I want one that can stop calamities especially earthquakes.

Be prepared and get informed

It’s always better to be prepared. Phenomenon like earthquakes could happen any day, so be sure to read up on things you need to know and familiarize yourself with survival tips during and after the calamity strikes.

Subscribe To Blushing Geek