PHILIPPINES EARTHQUAKE PROMPTING HUMANITARIAN AID FROM MARINES


By bblouin
Members of the Philippine National Police construct shoring to reinforce a building during a field training exercise at the Tacloban North Public Market that simulated a response to a notional 8.5-magnitude Philippines earthquake.

On February 12, 2024, a Philippines earthquake struck the Southeast Asian nation, and rescue efforts have begun. There is a complex relationship between the U.S. and the Philippines. However, it remains as one of our major non-NATO allies. The 5.8 magnitude Philippines earthquake is prompting the nation’s government to request assistance from the U.S. Marines. Mindanao and Davao de Oro felt a lot of the blow. While there is not much damage, a mining site has many dead and missing due to a landslide. Our forces do a lot for our nation and in times of need, their selfless service can extend to a friend. Suggested read: Military Technology: 5 Exciting Developments to Watch in 2024

Was There an Earthquake in the Philippines?

There was a Philippines earthquake that struck in February 2024 with readings ranging from a magnitude of 5.6 to 5.9. The earthquake in the Philippines doesn’t seem to have caused much damage but the nation is also far from unblemished. Seismology readings by the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) show that the earthquake occurred around 6 miles deep, however, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology read the quake at 16.8 miles deep with a magnitude of 5.9. Mindanao, Philippines along with the province of Davao de Oro continues to search for missing people. Dozens are missing from the town of Maco in Davao de Oro as a previous landslide search and rescue operation is facing more complications due to these weather events. Efforts are ongoing and torrential rains have been an issue contributing to flooding and the landslides seen in the area. Now, the Republic of the Philippines is receiving assistance in its efforts from Marines who will provide humanitarian aid during this unfortunate time.

Marines Are Providing Humanitarian Aid

Marines from the III Marine Expeditionary Force are going to aid with humanitarian support following the Philippines earthquake. The USMC is supporting efforts by the U.S. Agency for International Development in Mindanao, Republic of the Philippines. Those serving in the Marine Aircraft Group 12 and 1st Marine Aircraft Wing are providing supplies to the Armed Forces of the Philippines via a KC-130J Hercules aircraft. This comes as search and rescue efforts among others persist in the area. A group of Devil Dogs based out of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni are helping provide meals to the Armed Forces of the Philippines in Mindanao where services are not available to deliver temporary relief until things are back running normally. Though not exclusively an American trait, it’s comparatively more frequent that the United States agrees to show support for other nations with our military. However, a notable example of the opposite being true remains the response after Hurricane Katrina in 2005 by the Mexican Armed Forces. As of this writing, more updates are expected to come from the USMC; however, due to the operations being an ongoing effort, details are relatively sparse. Related read: US Deploys Black Hawk Helicopters After Japan Earthquake

Philippines Earthquake An Unfortunate Reminder of How Multi-Faceted Our Forces Are

The earthquake Mindanao, Philippines, and the surrounding areas are facing is an unfortunate situation for anyone. Natural disasters are unavoidable but bring with them a wake of destruction and despair. On a more positive note, militaries, organizations, and ordinary people around the world are willing to help those in need. Right now, this means the Filipinos suffering from this destructive start to the new year. Whether it’s responding to the Philippines earthquake, assisting after a tsunami, or any other unfortunate natural event, the American Armed Forces is ready for challenges far and wide. Read next: Bernie Sanders Israel Foreign Aid Bill Vote Is ‘No’


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