MANILA — A devastating landslide in the southern Philippines claimed the lives of five (5) individuals and left 31 others injured, according to an official report on Wednesday (Feb 7).
The tragic incident occurred on Tuesday night in a mountainous area of Davao de Oro province on Mindanao island, triggered by heavy rainfall. Edward Macapili, a provincial disaster official, disclosed that the landslide struck a mining village, engulfing two buses used for transporting mine workers and nearby houses.
Twenty people were reportedly trapped inside the buses when the landslide struck, with eight managing to escape through the windows before being engulfed by mud, Macapili stated.
The buses were stationed near a gold mine operated by the Philippine company Apex Mining in Masara village. Five bodies were retrieved from the debris, although it remains unclear if they were passengers on the buses.
Additionally, 31 villagers sustained injuries, two of whom were airlifted to a hospital in Davao City for urgent medical attention.
The search and rescue operation faced challenges due to limited visibility and intermittent slides, compounded by an earthquake that shook the area shortly after the landslide.
Meanwhile, 285 families from Masara and surrounding villages were compelled to evacuate as a precautionary measure.
Military personnel have been mobilized to aid in the rescue efforts, with road blockages and lack of cellphone signal in the area adding to the difficulties.
The tragedy unfolded amidst weeks of persistent rainfall across Mindanao, prompting tens of thousands to seek refuge in emergency shelters.
Last week alone, the region witnessed 18 fatalities from landslides and flooding, as reported by the national disaster agency.
Landslides are a recurring threat across the Philippines due to its rugged terrain, heavy rainfall, and extensive deforestation. Scientists warn that climate change is exacerbating these natural disasters, contributing to more powerful storms and their devastating impacts on vulnerable communities.
(By el Amigo/MNM)