6.9 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Cebu

February 6, 2012 - A day to remember

It was an ordinary Monday morning for me and for the rest of the people in Cebu, probably. The usual Monday traffic jam as Cebuano's rush to school or work and run errands around town, the usual Monday meetings with my team, and the usual Monday blues as the weekend comes to an end.

Who would have thought that THAT USUAL MONDAY would turn into something UNFORGETTABLE - something that you would remember for the rest of your life.

A 6.9 magnitude earthquake hit Cebu and Negros.

It was around 11:45am that day when the ground trembled and shook. I was in a middle of a comprehensive meeting that time that it took a while for me to react to the shaking. We were just so engrossed in the meeting that we thought we just needed a break. But as the shaking continued, we were finally able to realize that it was an earthquake - a strong earthquake that almost shattered the glass walls of Kopi Roti and led everyone outside the building. I have never experienced an earthquake that strong in my 21 years of existence. Nevertheless, it happened in a place where i least expected it to be - CEBU.

What's worse, a tsunami alert was raised.

Just when I thought the worst was over, something worse happened. We couldn't even quite get over the quake when a commotion stirred up all over Cebu. Everybody was running for their lives because a tsunami was about to take place. People ran as far as they could, some left their vehicles on the road because it was so traffic that cars couldn't even move an inch, jeepney drivers left their jeeps and the passengers did as well, some cried because they thought it was the end - it was a havoc! Seeing everyone running around and shouting "A tsunami is coming" or "The water is already downtown" and "Get to higher ground" jolted my brain. I panicked. There was no room to think at that time. Plus, the weather wasn't so cooperative, it was such a gloomy day. The whole incident looked like dooms day, or the 2012 movie. I really thought it was the end for Cebu. It ended up that the whole thing was a false alarm. 

It wasn't something to laugh about. February 6 was a day to remember. Lives perished, hearts have been broken, fear was ignited - there was just so much trauma for all those who experienced it. As shock after shock jolted Cebu and Negros, one can't help but feel anxious about their loved ones well-being and safety.

As for me, I put aside fear and rest in the confidence that my Lord will protect His children. 

For my soul trusts in You; and in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge, until these calamities have passed by Psalms 57:1 NKJV

© Mia Huang (All photos are by her unless otherwise stated)