Two days after a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck her hometown in the central Philippines, Arguel Estalicas says she still feels dizzy every time she stands up.
That spinning feeling, coupled with aftershocks, has left the 35-year-old tourism officer and many other survivors too scared to return to their homes, forcing them to live in tents temporarily.
The earthquake shook the northern coast of Cebu, one of the country's most populous islands, on the night of September 30, jolting many out of their sleep.
It killed at least 68 people and wounded more than 500 others, as homes, buildings, and churches collapsed and roads cracked.
I still couldn't process what has happened to us, Ms. Estalicas tells the BBC. I am overwhelmed with the things we experienced in the last two days.
Living in Medellin town, near the quake's epicenter, disaster response officials say the earthquake displaced nearly 80,000 people across Cebu and nearby provinces. Cebu is a major trading and transportation hub in the central Philippines.
She said she got out of bed screaming when the earthquake struck and ran outdoors with her family.
They slept under the open sky, but when a light drizzle fell, Ms. Estalicas and her family wrapped themselves in plastic bags because they did not have raincoats.
Photos on social media showed them slouched on plastic chairs, swathed in plastic bags fogged up by their breath.
About 10 km away, in San Remigio municipality, Lourenze Pareja also spent the night outdoors on the night of the earthquake.
There, under the night sky, we sat freely - in great faith - with our little lights, holding on to what resources we had, Mr. Pareja wrote on Facebook. Pray for us, everyone.
When the ground started shaking, Mr. Pareja grabbed his phone and ran to the street to livestream the chaos – neighbors in pajamas leaving their homes, children and pets in tow. He later described the aftermath as turning what was once a vibrant city into a ghost town.
The Philippines is particularly vulnerable to natural disasters, lying on the geologically unstable Ring of Fire. The Cebu earthquake is among the strongest and deadliest in recent years, following a tragic 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Bohol in 2013 that caused over 200 deaths.
Rescue efforts are ongoing, with authorities working to provide food and restore power and communications. The military has been deployed to assist in relief efforts.
Despite immediate concerns regarding daily essentials, some progress is being made. Photographer Doods Demape highlighted the difficulties faced in finding petrol and basic supplies as he traveled to buy necessities due to closed supermarkets.
In Bogo city, reports indicate a pressing need for clean water, food, and medical supplies as makeshift hospitals treat the injured.
This earthquake has also struck amidst an active typhoon season, worsening the situation for many. However, locals remain resilient, showing the spirit of bayanihan, or community cooperation, as they navigate these challenges together.
My only prayer is that help won't be delayed - and that neighboring municipalities will also be considered and covered in these relief efforts, Mr. Pareja emphasized.
