Earthquake Devastates SVD Missions on Philippine Islands, Congregation Appeals for Prayers

The Society of the Divine Word (SVD) in the Philippines has appealed for prayers and support after a powerful earthquake struck parts of Mindanao in the country's south, causing deaths, injuries, and widespread damage to island communities served by its missionaries.

Among the hardest-hit areas were Balut Island and Sarangani Island, remote volcanic islands located south of Mindanao in the province of Sarangani, near the maritime border with Indonesia.

According to an update from the SVD Task Force, the earthquake left at least four people dead and injured many others. Two SVD priests sustained minor injuries.

The congregation reported extensive damage to church properties and mission stations. Photographs from the affected areas showed the partial collapse of an SVD convent and the complete destruction of several chapels serving local Catholic communities.

The earthquake also damaged critical infrastructure, leaving many residents displaced and complicating rescue and relief efforts.

Access to the islands remains difficult. Roads leading to ports on mainland Mindanao have become impassable, while rough sea conditions have prevented boats from reaching affected communities. A total power outage and damaged communication networks have further hampered emergency operations and limited the flow of information from the islands.

Because of the isolation of the affected communities, the Philippine Air Force deployed helicopters to evacuate seriously injured residents, providing one of the few available means of transportation to and from the islands.

Despite the challenges, the SVD said it is coordinating with local authorities and fellow missionaries to assess needs and deliver assistance.

"The SVD Task Force is actively coordinating relief and emergency response efforts in close collaboration with our confreres and local authorities. We continue to assess the needs of the affected communities and to provide assistance wherever possible," the congregation said in a statement.

The recent earthquake prompted a nationwide response from the Catholic Church in the Philippines. Bishops across the country have called for prayers and financial assistance for affected communities as rescue, relief, and recovery efforts continue.

The SVD urged the faithful to remember in prayer the families who lost loved ones, those who were injured, and residents whose homes and places of worship were damaged or destroyed.

The congregation said it will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available from the affected mission areas.