The main earthquakes occurred on Oct. 16 (magnitude 6.3), Oct. 29 (magnitude 6.6) and Oct. 31 (magnitude 6.5). These earthquakes were not anticipated and no warning was announced. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCs) warns that aftershocks, even new earthquakes could continue over the next few weeks. There are associated risks of flood damage and water-born disease.

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, a total of 37,716 families or 188,583 persons have been affected as of 5 November. [1] At least 755 schools have been damaged or destroyed, as well as 36 health facilities. [2] The full extent of damage, casualties, missing and displaced persons is still not known.

Government services are of poor quality and not focused on the needs of the urban and rural poor, as well as the Moro and Lumad (indigenous) peoples. Government resources have long been concentrated on protection of corporate investors and a low-intensity confrontation with various armed rebels. Although the government has promised financial and material assistance via the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), previous experience suggests that this will be largely consumed by bureaucracy and corruption.

In this context, grass-roots relief and reconstruction is an essential component of building a better Mindanao, for all its peoples.

A damaged building after a 6.5-magnitude earthquake hit Kidapawan town, North Cotabato province, on the southern island of Mindanao on October 31, 2019 CNN.

The MiHANDs network of 50 progressive civic associations has mobilized its volunteer base to conduct a needs assessment and extend emergency assistance to the affected communities.

In recent years, ESSF has supported MIHANDs’ efforts to develop an innovative, grassroots mechanism for emergency intervention, rehabilitation, and reconstruction. [3] This has involved a conscious effort to avoid the ’NGOization’ that has deformed many progressive initiatives in the Philippines and elsewhere. MiHANDs is also committed to a non-partisan support to the multi-ethnic peace and democracy movements in Mindanao and across the Philippines.

These recent earthquakes, the 300+ aftershocks and flooding have affected the towns and villages where MiHANDs members live and work. The MiHANDS office in Cotabato City office has been damaged.

A man walks on the collapsed wall of a house in Barangay Ilomavis in Cotabato. Photo by Bobby Lagsa/Rappler.

ESSF will soon receive MiHANDs’ consolidated needs assessment and intervention strategy. We already know for sure that financial solidarity is needed. We are asking for donations to support movement-led humanitarian relief and reconstruction.

Pierre Rousset, Mark Johnson
ESSF

See the call for solidarity fromMIHANDs (article 51090), Philippines: Urgent appeal for the affected families of Mindanao Earthquakes:

http://www.europe-solidaire.org/spip.php?article51090

To send donations

Cheques
cheques to ESSF in euros only, payable in France, to be sent to:
ESSF
2, rue Richard-Lenoir
93100 Montreuil
France

Bank Account:
Crédit lyonnais
Agence de la Croix-de-Chavaux (00525)
10 boulevard Chanzy
93100 Montreuil
France
ESSF, account number 445757C

International bank account details :
IBAN : FR85 3000 2005 2500 0044 5757 C12
BIC / SWIFT : CRLYFRPP
Account holder : ESSF

Through PayPal
You can send money through Paypal: see the PayPal button on the ESSF English home page: http://www.europe-solidaire.org/spip.php?page=sommaire&lang=en

Through HelloAsso
You can also send money through the association HelloAsso: see its button on the ESSF English home page: http://www.europe-solidaire.org/spip.php?page=sommaire&lang=en
Or go directly to:
https://www.helloasso.com/associations/europe-solidaire-sans-frontieres/formulaires/1/widget

We will continue to report on the situation and the use of the ESSF solidarity fund.

Tulunan, North Cotabato 6.6 Earthquake Snapshot As of 29 Oct 2019 (PDF