According to an official, the death toll from a landslide in the southern Philippines has climbed to 35 as rescue workers continue to search for survivors. The landslide struck outside a gold mine in Maco town in the province of Davao de Oro, burying homes and vehicles.
Edward Macapili, an official of Davao de Oro province, reported that the number of fatalities has risen from 28 to 35, with 77 people still missing and 32 injured. The rescue efforts are being hindered by heavy rain, thick mud, and the threat of further landslides.
Despite the challenging conditions, over 300 people are involved in the rescue operation, which resumed on Sunday morning. Macapili acknowledged that it is increasingly unlikely to find more survivors, but the search will continue.
“The rescue team is doing its best, even if it’s very difficult,” Macapili said. The recent torrential rains in Davao de Oro have led to widespread flooding and landslides.
As of now, there is a total of 77 people missing and 32 injured. The search and rescue operation is still ongoing despite the challenging conditions, which include heavy rain and the threat of further landslides.
Macapili emphasized that the rescue team is working tirelessly, even in the face of extremely difficult circumstances. While the likelihood of finding survivors diminishes, the search will continue as rescue workers remain dedicated to their task.
Recent heavy rainfall has caused widespread flooding and landslides in Davao de Oro, adding to the challenges faced by the rescue teams. Macapili confirmed that the rescue operation resumed on Sunday morning, despite the ongoing adverse weather conditions.
(Reporting by Mikhail Flores; Editing by Sonali Paul)
