Earthquake...

October 15, 2013 is a date to remember for those living in Bohol and Cebu, Philippines, when a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck the two (2) provinces about 8:12 in the morning.  The tremor lasted about 30 seconds, sending the fear-stricken populace outside their homes.   People scampered outside their homes and edifices to seek safer grounds in open spaces.  Patients were immediately evacuated from the hospitals which became a hazard to their health.  I  witnessed how the electric post just outside our house swayed like bamboo  dancing with the wind.  Thereafter, electricity and water sources were cut off.  Big cracks can be found on the streets, as well as the houses and buildings everywhere.  The province of Bohol was hit the hardest.  Centuries-old  Catholic churches were razed to the ground.  Thousands were left homeless and their areas isolated due to the destruction of bridges.  Up to this writing, I can still hear people from Bohol pleading for help over the radio.   Efforts to bring the much needed help was limited by the lack of passable roads to the various barangays of  Bohol.  The after-shocks were  not helping.  So far, about a thousand  after-shocks have been  recorded, and the number seemed to be rising.  In fact, I just experienced the earth moving again while wiring this blog.  

As news reports come in, I am just teary eyed at the aftermath of the killer earthquake.   Despite this unfortunate event, I can still say that God was watching us.  The quake occurred on a holiday when there was no work and classes.  Most people stayed in their homes with their families.   It could have been worst.  A lesson is to be learned from this latest catastrophe.  Let us open our hearts and mind to discover what that lesson is,  and never question the will of God.  Everything happens for a reason. God bless us all... 

The bell tower of the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño, as shown in this file photo, was one of those destroyed during the earthquake which struck Cebu. 

Because of the cracks found at the entrance of the Basilica, the structure was declared unsafe for churchgoers. I would miss looking at the alter inside the Basilica as shown above.