Philippines: Devastating Landslide Claims 54 Lives

Post by : Dr. Amrinder Pal Singh

_{Photo: AP}

The death toll in the Philippines' massive landslide near a gold mine surged to 54 on Sunday, according to local officials.

Nineteen bodies were discovered beneath the rubble in the southern mountain village of Masara on Sunday, with 63 miners and residents still missing, as reported by the municipality of Maco and provincial disaster official Randy Loy.

The previous death toll of 35 was surpassed after a landslide buried a bus terminal for gold mining firm employees and 55 nearby houses on Tuesday night, resulting in 32 injuries.

Rocks, mud, and trees slid over 700 meters (2,300 feet) down a steep mountainside near the Apex Mining Co. concession, covering an 8.9-hectare (22-acre) section of the Masara community.

A three-year-old girl was miraculously rescued from under the rubble on Friday. Authorities have committed to continuing the search until all missing individuals are recovered.

Landslides are a frequent threat across the archipelago due to the mountainous terrain, heavy rainfall, and widespread deforestation from mining, slash-and-burn farming, and illegal logging.

Persistent rain in the southern region over weeks has triggered numerous landslides and floods, forcing tens of thousands into emergency shelters. The area has also experienced significant earthquakes in recent months.

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