Young Girl Saved from Deadly Landslide in Southern Philippines
Amidst the grim aftermath of a devastating landslide in Maco, Davao de Oro, a glimmer of hope emerged today as rescue teams successfully pulled a young girl to safety. The rescue operation, described as “miraculous” by local authorities, provided a moment of relief amidst the ongoing efforts to locate over 110 individuals still missing since the disaster struck.
The landslide, triggered by intense rains that swept through the remote gold mining village of Masara on Mindanao island, has already claimed the lives of at least 27 people, with 35 others reported injured. According to the National Disaster Agency, 89 individuals remain unaccounted for as search and rescue operations continue tirelessly.
Engineer Ariel Capoy, Incident Commander overseeing the rescue efforts, emphasized the challenges of poor weather conditions but expressed determination in the ongoing mission to find survivors. Elizabeth Uy, a provincial official, highlighted the preemptive evacuations, underscoring the unpredictable nature of the weather conditions preceding the landslide.
Governor Dorothy Gonzaga of Davao de Oro expressed relief at the young girl’s successful rescue, noting that it has injected a “sign of hope” into the community amidst the ongoing tragedy. The girl, now in stable condition, represents a beacon of resilience amid the daunting task ahead for rescue teams.
Families of the missing have endured agonizing waits for updates, with emotions running high as each passing hour brings new challenges and uncertainties. Wilfredo Pilones, a resident whose son remains missing, expressed the collective anxiety of many awaiting news of their loved ones.
The region, known for its rich natural resources and sprawling highlands, has been severely impacted by the landslide, which engulfed residential areas and a local mining facility. Aerial images provided by the military depict vast swaths of land covered in mud, underscoring the disaster’s scale and the challenges rescue teams face navigating the rugged terrain.
According to the National Disaster Authority, the tragedy in Maco is part of a broader pattern of severe weather across Mindanao in recent months, which has claimed more than 20 lives due to floods and landslides.
As the search and rescue efforts continue, authorities urge affected communities to remain vigilant and heed evacuation orders as necessary. The resilience and solidarity displayed amidst this crisis highlight the strength of the Filipino spirit in the face of adversity.
Residents are encouraged to follow official announcements from local authorities and disaster response agencies for ongoing updates and information.
