When the powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake in Mindanao struck on October 10, 76-year-old Caridad of Barangay Holy Cross thought she would not survive. Around 10 a.m., Caridad was resting on her hammock (duyan) beside her home when the ground suddenly began shaking violently. The force of the earthquake sent her hammock swinging uncontrollably as parts of her roof and walls collapsed nearby.

Terrified and overwhelmed, Caridad cried out for help, fearing that she would not escape the destruction around her. “I thought I was going to die,” she shared.

In an act of remarkable courage, the purok president, a local leader in her community, risked his own safety by crawling beneath tall coconut trees to reach Caridad and pull her away from the collapsing structures. His quick response helped bring her to safety during one of the most frightening moments of her life.

Caridad later stayed with neighbors in a temporary tent set up in a more open area. The ADRA network’s response brought life-saving relief to the area affected by the earthquake, and individuals like Caridad were able to receive cash assistance and supplies to aid in their recovery.

Through ADRA’s Disaster and Famine Relief (DFR) campaign, support is reaching communities affected by emergencies just like this earthquake all over the world, from wildfires in Canada to war zones in Sudan. The campaign enables ADRA to respond quickly with essential assistance, bringing relief and hope to families facing the aftermath of disasters.

Thanks to generous donors and supporters like you, the DFR campaign is made possible and can help us be prepared to aid people like Caridad in recovering after crises. Your compassion helps ADRA stand with families during their most difficult moments, providing timely support, restoring dignity, and helping communities begin the journey toward recovery.