People are evacuated by rescuers in a flooded village in Panitan, Panay Island, Philippines on Tuesday. Officials say heavy rains caused by a summer tropical depression have killed at least a few dozen people in the central and southern Philippines, largely due to landslides.
Philippine Coast Guard via AP
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Philippine Coast Guard via AP
People are evacuated by rescuers in a flooded village in Panitan, Panay Island, Philippines on Tuesday. Officials say heavy rains caused by a summer tropical depression have killed at least a few dozen people in the central and southern Philippines, largely due to landslides.
Philippine Coast Guard via AP
MANILA, Philippines – The death toll from landslides and floods that hit the central and southern Philippines after a summer tropical depression that unleashed torrents of rain has risen to at least 43, with 28 others missing. , officials said Tuesday.
Officials said more than 100 villagers were injured in landslides in Baybay city, central Leyte province over the weekend and early Monday. The army, police and other rescuers are grappling with mud and unstable piles of dirt and debris to find the missing villagers.
Colonel Noel Vestuir, commander of the army brigade, who is helping oversee the search and rescue operation, said: “We are deeply saddened by this unfortunate incident that has caused loss of life and property. what a pity.
Military and local officials said thirty-six of those killed were recovered after landslides hit six villages in Baybay. Seven others drowned in floodwaters in the central provinces of Samar and Negros Oriental and the southern provinces of Davao de Oro and Davao Oriental.
Rescuers evacuated a resident to safer ground in Abuyog, Leyte province, central Philippines on Sunday.
Philippine Coast Guard via AP
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Philippine Coast Guard via AP
Rescuers evacuated a resident to safer ground in Abuyog, Leyte province, central Philippines on Sunday.
Philippine Coast Guard via AP
More rescuers and heavy equipment, including support boots, have reached the landslide-stricken villages of Baybay, but continued rain and muddy ground have hampered efforts. “The challenge was that it continued to rain and we weren’t able to immediately clear up the landslide areas,” Vestuir said.
The coast guard, police and firefighters rescued several villagers Monday in flooded central communities, including some trapped on the roofs of their homes. In downtown Cebu, schools and work were suspended Monday and Mayor Michael Rama declared a state of disaster to allow for the rapid release of emergency funds.
A photo provided by the Philippine Coast Guard shows a landslide area in Baybay city, Leyte province, central Philippines, on Monday.
Philippine Coast Guard via AP
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Philippine Coast Guard via AP
A photo provided by the Philippine Coast Guard shows a landslide area in Baybay city, Leyte province, central Philippines, on Monday.
Philippine Coast Guard via AP
At least 20 typhoons make landfall in the Philippines each year, mostly during the rainy season that begins around June. Several storms have occurred even during the scorching summer months in recent years.
This disaster-prone Southeast Asian country is also located on the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, where many of the world’s volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occur.
