‘I’m out of words’: Major earthquake in Philippines leaves Canadian community devastated

Families across Canada are anxiously awaiting news from loved ones affected by the deadly earthquake in the Philippines. Alex Karpa spoke to some of them.

WINNIPEG – An offshore earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8 hit the southern Philippines on Monday, killing at least 35 and injuring dozens more.

One of the hardest hit cities was General Santos City, with a population of over 700,000 people.

Most of Joy Love Silla’s family lives in the city, including her husband and two kids. She was horrified when she saw the footage coming out of her hometown.

“I’m out of words, it’s horrifying,” she said, adding that she “cried a lot” and “couldn’t sleep at night.”

Silla was extremely worried about her family, but was able to get in touch with them. She says they are all safe.

Silla was in General Santos City during the 2019 and 2023 earthquakes, which she says was very traumatic for her. She added that it was scary for her to know her family was going through the same ordeal she went through.

“I can’t imagine how horrifying our city is,” she said.

The Philippines is often hit by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions due to its location on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” which is an arc of seismic faults around the ocean.

This latest earthquake was the strongest to hit the Philippines this year, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.

Jeanette Perez’s family lives in the City of Davao, which is over 140 kilometres northeast of General Santos City.

She says communication with family over the last 24 hours has been difficult.

“We haven’t been able to get any firsthand information from them, so it’s very difficult,” she said.

“I don’t really know what to think anymore. I just sit and pray and wait.”

Global Affairs Canada told CTV News they “are not aware of any Canadian citizens affected by the latest earthquake in the Philippines,” and confirmed consular officials are in contact with local officials.

“Canadians in need of emergency consular assistance should contact the Embassy of Canada to the Philippines, in Manila,” a statement from Global Affairs Canada read.

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said Canada stands with the Philippines following the earthquake.

“Our thoughts are with their families as well as all those who are in mourning,” she posted to social media Monday morning.

‘Very saddened’

Perla Javate was shocked to see all the video coming out of the Philippines and is starting to figure out ways she can help those in need.

“We would channel it through the Red Cross or if there is a group from that particular area, we probably have to channel some other help that they may need,” Javete, co-president of the Philippines Heritage Council of Manitoba, told CTV News. “So, I’m hoping that this is something we can do.”

“This time it happened in the southern part of the Philippines. I am from the northern part of the Philippines, but regardless, we are one nation and we are together every time we go through hard times like this.”

As for Perez, all she says she can do it just wait for updated news.

“I hope you’re all OK,” she said. “We’re praying for you out here.”