Scores feared dead in south Philippine landslide

Scores feared dead in south Philippine landslide

2011-04-22 21:25:25 GMT+7 (ICT)

MANILA, PHILIPPINES (BNO NEWS) -- A landslide in the southern region of the Philippines caused by heavy rains has killed at least three person, but several people are still unaccounted for and officials are fearing the death toll to rise, officials said Friday.

The landslide occurred at around 2:30 a.m. local time at the small mining community of Purok Side B, Sitio Panganason, Barangay Kingking, located in Pantukan, Compostela Valley, which is in the small island of Mindanao. The landslide was caused by heavy rains that hit the area overnight.

Mud and rocks buried houses, which mostly belong to local miners. In addition, access to mining tunnels collapsed.

The latest report released by the Philippines Disaster Risk Reduction Council at around 5 p.m. local time said one person had died, 21 others were still missing, while 9 people had survived. The fatal victim was identified as Jan-jan Torejos, aged between 15 and 16.

Lt. Col. Leopoldo Galon, spokesman of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Eastern Visayas Command, told ABS-CBN news that there were two dead people in the tunnel while he reported the rescue of four trapped miners. He also said another woman was being rescued at that time.

Previously, Col. Roberto Domines, commander of the 1001st Brigade, 10th Infantry Division, said no official number of unaccounted people was available, but around 40 people were believed missing, as the exact number of residents in the area was unclear.

Search and rescue teams have been using heavy equipment in search of the missing people. Soldiers from the 71st Infantry Battalion, members of the Philippine National Police, rescue workers from 911 Davao City and the St. Augustine Gold & Copper, as well as volunteer miners will continue their search operations throughout the night. 

Helicopters have also been deployed to transport survivors, rescuers, and lighting equipment. However, operations have been further challenged as more rainfall hit the area on Friday, causing rescue teams to suspend their efforts in fear of another landslide.

Pantukan Mayor Celso Sarena said miners in the small community had been previously warned as the zone had been declared a danger zone due to possible landslides, adding that small-scale mining activities in the upper area were illegal.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-04-22