Inclement weather, poverty compound woes of some Abra earthquake victims

Around 30 individuals are staying in one makeshift tent in Lagangilang, Abra following the magnitude 7 earthquake. (Daniza Fernandez / INQUIRER.net)

ABRA, Philippines — Following the strong magnitude 7.0 earthquake that jolted Abra and many parts of Luzon, some displaced residents are starting to struggle with the inclement weather and lack of basic necessities while sheltered in makeshift tents.

“Napakahirap po kasi po wala po kaming matuluyan lalo na po ngayong umuulan. Tapos wala na rin pong pinagtatrabahuhan ‘yung mga magulang namin kaya hindi po namin alam kung saan kami kukuha ng mga gastusin, mga pagkain,” Rainier Omlero of Barangay Nagtipulan in Lagangilang, Abra, the epicenter of the earthquake, told INQUIRER.net on Thursday.

(It is difficult because we have nowhere to go, especially now that it is the rainy season. Also, our parents are currently jobless, we do not know where to get money for our daily expenses.)

Omlero stays in one of the makeshift tents made of materials donated by neighbors whose houses were not badly damaged.

“Napakalamig po tapos minsan pa po maraming lamok, mga langgam. Minsan po nababasa na po kami sa ulan tapos mahangin pa kaya nababasa po ‘yung mga damit namin,” Omlero lamented when asked about their situation in the makeshift tent.

(It is cold and sometimes, there are many mosquitoes and ants. Sometimes, we get damp from the rain, at times, it is even windy that is why our clothes get wet.)

One of the damaged houses is Abra after a magnitude 7.0 earthquake jolted the province and other parts of Luzon, including Metro Manila Wednesday morning. (Daniza Fernandez / INQUIRER.net)

Omlero shared that during the day, some of them are heading to farms to harvest vegetables.

According to Omlero, an officer from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has already visited the area and told them to not enter their residences as it is still unsafe.

“Mas okay sa’kin ‘yung du’n na lang muna kami sa tolda kaysa du’n sa dati naming bahay kasi hindi pa namin alam kung anong mangyayari o kung may lindol pa kaming nararanasan,” he said.

(It is better for us to stay in the makeshift tent instead of our house because we do not know what will happen or if more earthquakes will occur.)

Omlero appealed  for donations, particularly tents, food, and blankets.

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