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21
Nov 24
0

2013 Loboc Earthquake Damage 🌪️ Philippines

The 2013 Loboc Earthquake, which struck Bohol, Philippines on October 15, 2013, was a devastating natural disaster with a magnitude of 7.2. This powerful earthquake caused widespread destruction, resulting in the loss of 222 lives, injuring 976 people, and damaging over 73,000 structures.

The energy released was equivalent to 32 Hiroshima bombs, making it the deadliest earthquake in the Philippines in 23 years. The subsequent impact of Typhoon Haiyan further complicated relief efforts, leaving a lasting mark on the region

Highlights

Loboc Earthquake & Recovery

Before leaving Loboc, we stopped to take a closer look at the damage caused by the 2013 Loboc earthquake.

The recovery efforts after the 2013 Loboc Earthquake were extensive and challenging. The Philippine government, along with various international organizations, mobilized resources to provide immediate relief, including food, water, and medical aid.

Temporary shelters were set up for those displaced by the disaster, and efforts were made to restore critical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and communication networks.

Loboc – A church bell that was destroyed

Despite these efforts, the recovery process was slow, with some areas taking years to rebuild and return to normalcy.

The combined impact of the earthquake and Typhoon Haiyan further complicated the situation, highlighting the need for improved disaster preparedness and response strategies

Armageddon

It’s no wonder the Filipinos are a God-fearing nation. Loboc in particular suffered catastrophic damage from the earthquake and subsequent flooding. The effects can be seen everywhere, on land and underwater.

Earthquakes, floods, hurricanes – basically all the worst bits from the Old Testament

The salvage/restoration work is still in evidence wherever we looked, on the riverbanks as well as in the villages.

2013 Loboc Earthquake – The old church

Already, a new church has been constructed next to the site of the destroyed Loboc church.

Loboc – The new church

Loboc to Panglao

After spending 3 days in the relative seclusion of the Loboc countryside, we were heading back to the Panglao peninsula

The previous week, we had spent a few days on the south coast of Panglao – at Alona Beach. This time, we planned to visit the more tranquil north area of Panglao. Our journey would again take us through Tagbilaran, which would be a good excuse to do some shopping at the Mall before heading south.

We were approaching the end of our travels through Bohol: Panglao was in easy reach of the airport, for our return flight to Manila.

We flagged down an air-conditioned bus from the roadside just outside Loboc. It took 40 minutes to reach Tagbilaran. The fare cost us 30 pesos, which is 5 pesos more than the non-air conditioned bus.

At Tagbilaran, we again ate and shopped in the mall. Clothes and souvenirs are great value here. After this we took a trike (300 pesos) to our guesthouse in Panglao. This journey took around 30 minutes.

The Seaside Boutique guesthouse is not easy to find, even when you know the address. The trike driver needed to ask around several times before we found it at the end of an obscure long country path.

Hotel Deals in Bohol

If you enjoyed 2013 Loboc Earthquake check out Philippines Central Visayas – Cebu & Bohol. You may also like:

Philippines Buses & Jeepneys
If you're going to be using the Philippines buses & jeepneys to get around, check out these tips we picked up on the road.

Pangangan, Philippines
... not quite an Island, but certainly deserted, except during weekends and holidays, when locals rent beach huts and participate in the ubiquitous Karaoke competitions.

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14
Oct 24
1

Bocas to Boca Chica Panama by Boat & Bus 🚏

Tags : medium

Traveling from Bocas del Toro to Boca Chica, Panama, by boat and bus presents several challenges that can test even the most seasoned travelers.

The journey involves multiple transfers, including a boat ride to Almirante, followed by a lengthy bus trip to David, and another bus to Boca Chica. The route is often subject to delays due to weather conditions and limited transportation schedules, making it essential to plan meticulously.

Despite these difficulties, the trip offers a unique glimpse into Panama’s diverse landscapes and local culture, rewarding those who navigate its complexities.

Highlights

A Trip that Requires Patience…

Following our 8-day stay in Bocas Del Toro, we prepared for the next stage of our journey – travelling from Bocas to Boca Chica by bus.

This trip requires a little more organisation since the Hello Travel bus shuttle company which operates from Bocas Del Toro does not provide a service to Boca Chica.

Boarding the boat in Bocas

Since there’s no direct connection between Bocas Del Toro and Boco Chica, the trip involves a messy succession of sub-journeys.

We learned that we would first have to travel to David. From there we should be able to switch to another bus to Boca Chica.

Bearing this in mind, we started early from Bocas.

In-transit to Almirante

Starting from Bocas Del Toro

We took the 7:30 am boat from Bocas to Almirante ($6 per person). The sea was rough. It had been raining all night, and the dark sky didn’t bode well.

It took 30 minutes to reach Almirante, from where we took a taxi to the bus station ($1 per person). After waiting at the bus station for half an hour, we climbed on the bus heading to David.

Bocas to Boca Chica by Bus

When I say ‘bus’, I mean a small 20-seater white minivan. The van was packed to capacity, and then some. Incredibly, it still kept stopping along the way to cram in more standing-only passengers.

The journey over the mountains has some spectacular views and more than a few hair-raising high-altitude bends in the road. If you’re a nervous passenger, don’t sit at the front of bus.

We reached David after just 2 hours 45 minutes – including a short bathroom break. The journey cost us $8.50 per person.

At David bus station we quickly found a connecting bus (again read minivan) to Boca Chica. We were off again in less than 20 minutes.

We were on a roll!

This leg of the journey cost us another $2 each. However, after an hour we were unceremoniously dumped off at the junction between the Panama City highway and the turnoff to Boca Chica.

Panama City to Bocas

No Direct Connections to Boca Chica

With 30 kms or so still to travel, we waited next to the highway. After 15 minutes we hailed another ‘van’. He picked us up, and took us the rest of the way for $3 each.

We arrived in Boca Chica at 2:30pm, for a total journey time of 7 hours and a cost of $20.50 per person.

Bocas to Boca Chica by Bus

Not really the worst of journeys, and considerably cheaper than using the Hello Travel bus shuttle company, which in any case would only have taken us as far as David.

Hotel Deals in Boca Chica

If you enjoyed Bocas to Boca Chica by Bus, check out our Panama Roundtrip. You may also like: