7 killed in Philippine landslide
MANILA – At least seven people were killed when a landslide hit a house in the southern Philippines on Jan 18, a disaster official said, with the death toll expected to rise.
The incident happened in the morning in a mountainous gold mining region of Davao de Oro province on Mindanao island, where heavy rain triggered flooding and landslides that week.
A family of eight – including six children – had left their evacuation centre and returned home for a prayer meeting with other villagers, Monkayo municipal disaster officer Rocris Idul told AFP.
Rescuers retrieved seven bodies from the mud, including those of the children. Another four people were still missing, Mr Idul said.
“There’s a very slim chance they can survive,” Mr Idul said, noting the huge volume of mud that buried the house.
Three people were pulled out alive, including one who was severely injured, Mr Idul said.
Monkayo Mayor Manual Zamora had issued a warning on Jan 17 for people living in “high risk” areas of the municipality to leave their homes, his chief of staff, Ms Rodielyn Manugas, told AFP.
Schools in the municipality were ordered to suspend classes on Jan 19, with more heavy rain expected in the region. – AFP
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