A landslide has claimed the lives of 68 people and left 51 missing in the southern Philippines, according to local authorities.
The incident occurred in the town of Maco, in the mountainous village of Masara, in Davao de Oro province, on Tuesday night, February 6 following continuous heavy rainfall.
The disaster struck after several weeks of relentless rainfall, impacting the gold-mining community deeply.
The provincial government of Davao de Oro revealed through a social media update that, aside from the loss of life, at least 32 people have sustained injuries. The whereabouts of 51 people remain unknown, with gold miners who were awaiting transport in two buses at the time of the landslide among the missing.
A three-year-old girl was rescued alive three days after being buried in the landslide, highlighting the ongoing rescue and recovery efforts in the area. Her survival was considered a miracle.
Search and rescue efforts have encountered significant obstacles due to adverse weather conditions and the potential for further landslides. In a proactive measure, disaster response teams have relocated more than 1,100 families to evacuation centers, prioritizing their safety.
The community has also been grappling with the aftermath of recent earthquakes, which caused damage to residential structures and other buildings.
The ongoing search for survivors is a testament to the resilience of the local authorities and humanitarian groups, despite the challenging conditions. Efforts to provide necessary aid, including shelter, medical care, and psychological support to those affected, are underway.
There are calls for aid from both the national government and the international community as the search for missing persons continues. The U.S. Agency for International Development is providing $1.25 million in humanitarian aid, and the U.S. Defense Department is providing logistical support.