Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 18) — At least seven people were killed and four others seriously injured following a landslide caused by rains brought by the shear line in Mt. Diwata in Monkayo, Davao de Oro, authorities reported.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said the victims, who were members of the Assembly of God Church, were having a religious gathering in one of the members’ houses when the tragedy occurred.
Among the casualties were five children aged 1 through 12.
Police said several people remain missing and are believed to be buried in the landslide.
Search and rescue operations are still ongoing, the PNP added.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) earlier reported that nearly 45,000 families, or over 187,000 people have been affected by flooding and landslides in the region.
“A total of 44,888 families or 187,108 persons were affected. Of which, 1,990 families or 6,709 persons were served inside 36 ECs [Evacuation Centers] and 525 families or 2,198 persons were served outside ECs,” it said.
In a progress report issued on Wednesday, the NDRRMC said that on Jan. 16, flooding and landslide incidents occurred in some parts of Davao de Oro and Davao del Norte.
The Tuesday morning flooding affected some barangays in Mawab, Nabuntura, and Maragusan in Davao de Oro; and the municipalities of New Corella, Kapalong, and Panabo City in Davao del Norte.
“On the same date, evacuation procedures and rescue operations were conducted to the affected families in some Barangays of Tagum City, and New Corella Municipality, all in Davao del Norte Province, due to continuing increase of flood waters,” it added.
The report said that in total, Davao De Oro had four flooded areas, nine subsided areas, zero receding areas, and eight rain-induced landslides.
READ: Over 2,200 people affected by Davao flooding
It added that Davao Del Norte had 30 flooded areas, zero subsided areas, and zero receding areas; it had no reported rain-induced landslides.
The NDRRMC said 23 road sections and two bridges were affected, with 11 of the roads and two bridges not passable.
This incident interrupted power to six cities and municipalities, the report added.
Meanwhile, the disaster response agency said it was still validating s report of infrastructure damage in Davao de Oro.
The NRRMC said 4,179 family food packs and rice valued at ₱2,917,258 have been provided to affected residents in Davao de Oro, Davao Oriental and Davao del Norte.
Rescue agencies are currently deployed and conducting weather and area monitoring, road cleaning, forced evacuations, and other types of assistance in affected areas.
