Missionaries Safe Following Major Earthquake in the Philippines

The Church reported that all LDS Church missionaries serving in the Philippines are safe following a 7.2 earthquake in the Philippines October 15, that killed 144 people.

According to a statement issued by the Church October 16, “Church leaders are working with local officials to identify and address local needs. All missionaries of the Church serving in this region are safe and accounted for. Several member homes have been destroyed or damaged, and some Church buildings have sustained minor damage from the quake.”

The Associated Press reported that the earthquake struck the central island of Bohol.

Bohol Island is part of the Cebu East Mission, which the Church created July 1. There are 21 missions in the Philippines, including two in Cebu, and more than 660,000 members.

“We extend our prayers and love to the people of the Philippines as they seek to assess the damage from the recent earthquake and care for the individuals and families affected by this tragedy,” the statement reads. “We are especially mindful of those who are injured or who have lost loved ones.”