8th June 2026

At least 15 people have died following a  magnitude-7.8 earthquake in southern Philippines early today. The collapse of several buildings and urgent regional tsunami warnings forced thousands to flee to higher ground. According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, the 7.8-magnitude earthquake was centred approximately 13 kilometres southwest of Maasim. The seismic event occurred at a shallow depth of 10 kilometres and was caused by a sudden movement in the Cotabato Trench. The tremor reached General Santos City, a major commercial hub home to more than 700,000 residents. Structural damage was also recorded at General Santos International Airport.  A powerful 6.1 magnitude aftershock occurred just hours later at a depth of 67 kilometres, triggering renewed panic among displaced locals. Power lines snapped across the region, plunging major districts into immediate blackouts. In Davao del Sur, part of a high school collapsed as students gathered outside and  the entrance to a convenience store in General Santos City showed was completely destroyed with smashed glass and overturned benches strewn across the street outside.

Loving God, ewe bring to you the needs and the fears of our neighbours in the Philippines.  We pray for the comfort and consolation of all who grieve the deaths of those they love and those who mourn the destruction of homes and businesses.  May all who are injured be kept safe and receive the medical treatment they need to fully recover. Wrap into your care all who are traumatised and fearful, and those worried for the welfare of elderly relatives, young children, and frail neighbours. We thank you for the care of teachers who responded to protect children in their care when the earthquake impacted schools.  Guide the school authorities to bring calm and reassurance once schools are able to reopen. We also ask your blessing and protection for all who are now engaged in search and rescue or have responsibilities for ensuring the stability and safety of buildings.  May they work professionally and responsibly. May the public authorities conduct themselves with integrity and compassion so that peoples' needs are met and fears allayed. In Christ's name we pray.  Amen.

Sightsavers partnered with Maxivision Super Speciality Eye Hospitals to conduct a community-level eye care initiative, which was completed recently. The collaboration reached underserved populations in Ahmedabad, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Visakhapatnam, providing eye care services.  The initiative screened 26,826 individuals for eye-related concerns, identified 3,756 people with cataracts and referred them for further care, and provided 3,256 individuals with spectacles following screening. Additionally, 1,056 individuals were screened for diabetic retinopathy (DR). The programme focused on groups including truck drivers, daily wage earners, senior citizens, and low-income families, who often face barriers to accessing eye care services. RN Mohanty, CEO of Sightsavers India, added, “As India’s urban population grows, ensuring equitable access to eye care for low-income residents is critical. Through Sightsavers India’s Urban Eye Health Programme, we are driving awareness, promoting regular screening, and enabling early intervention to prevent avoidable vision loss. Our partnership with Maxivision has helped us expand the reach of these efforts. Partnerships such as this are vital not only to expand outreach, but also to build stronger referral networks and more responsive urban eye health systems for the future.” 

You can find out more about Sightsavers India here.

A prayer inspired by Psalms 25 & 28

 To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.

In you alone do I trust.

You make your ways known to me, Lord;

You teach me in your truth

you lighten the path before me,

guiding me and showing me which way to go.

I put my hope in you all day long.

I praise you and thank you

for you hear my cry for mercy.

I give you glory

because you are my strength and my shield.

I honour you

because you are the God who saves me.

Amen.