A severe landslide struck the gold mining region of Monkayo, Davao de Oro, in the Philippines on January 18, resulting in significant fatalities and mass displacement.
The landslide occurred amid a Christian prayer meeting in a remote mountainous village home, leading to a minimum of ten deaths, which included five children. Additionally, two people were injured, and at least one individual remains unaccounted for.
Persistent rainfall, which triggered the landslide, led to the displacement of over 36,000 individuals in Davao de Oro and adjacent provinces.
The Office of Civil Defense in the Philippines has taken charge of the rescue and relief efforts in the areas hit by the disaster.
The ongoing rainfall has worsened the situation, putting a halt to search and rescue efforts due to safety considerations.
Manuel E. Zamora, the Mayor of Monkayo, cognizant of the continuous threat, has mandated a compulsory evacuation for residents near the affected area. Zamora has taken this preventive step to protect the community from the risk of additional landslides and mudslides, which still pose a danger due to the continued heavy rainfall.
The effect of this catastrophe extends beyond the immediate loss of life. The Defense Office’s latest figures indicate that the heavy rains and subsequent flooding have now affected over 187,000 individuals across four provinces in the Davao region.
The government is keeping a close watch on the situation and coordinating relief efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of the residents.