MERCY Malaysia Mobilises Response To Philippines Earthquake

KUALA LUMPUR, June 9 (Bernama) -- MERCY Malaysia is mobilising its humanitarian response following the 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck offshore near Sarangani, Mindanao, in the Philippines, with a team from Kuala Lumpur being prepared for deployment within the next 24 hours.

In a statement today, the humanitarian organisation said its Philippines Country Office is already on the ground supporting coordination efforts with local authorities and humanitarian partners as assessments of the disaster's impact continue.

It said immediate priorities are expected to include access to healthcare, emergency shelter, clean water and essential relief assistance.

The Kuala Lumpur team will support rapid assessments and help identify urgent humanitarian needs in affected communities.

As a World Health Organisation (WHO)-verified Emergency Medical Team (EMT) Type 1 organisation, MERCY Malaysia said it stands ready to provide emergency medical assistance as part of a coordinated response effort.

The organisation is also working with regional partners, including the Asian Disaster Reduction and Response Network (ADRRN), to facilitate information-sharing and response coordination.

MERCY Malaysia president Datuk Dr Ahmad Faizal Mohd Perdaus said the earthquake underscored the continued risks faced by communities in the Philippines.

“The Philippines is located along active tectonic plate boundaries, which makes it highly exposed to earthquakes and other natural disasters. Communities are often affected by repeated emergencies that disrupt lives, damage infrastructure and strain essential services.

“At this moment, our focus must be on the people affected. Humanitarian response should be fast, coordinated and guided by the needs of those on the ground. MERCY Malaysia stands ready to support local authorities and partners in delivering assistance where it is needed most,” he said.

According to MERCY Malaysia, the Philippines continues to experience frequent natural disasters, including earthquakes, typhoons, floods and volcanic activity, which often affect health services, housing and livelihoods.

The organisation is appealing for public support to help provide emergency medical care, essential relief items and other urgent assistance to affected communities.

-- BERNAMA