Davao del Norte residents flee another landslide

TAGUM CITY, Philippines—Over 100 families have fled their upland village in New Corella, Davao del Norte, following a massive landslide there last Sunday, officials said Monday.

At least 33 houses were destroyed in the avalanche that hit three communities in Barangay (village) Mambing just after 2:30 p.m., according to Romulo Tagalo, Davao del Norte information officer.

Mayor Nestor Alcoran said the landslide happened amid a heavy downpour.

At least 156 families were evacuated and the local and provincial governments have distributed relief goods, Alcoran told the Inquirer by

mobile phone.

“It’s fortunate no one was hurt considering the extent of the landslide,” Alcoran said. “Loose earth some 20 meters thick covered most parts of puroks (communities) 2, 6 and 8.”

Alcoran said a similar landslide occurred in the same area some years ago, without causing casualties.

Personnel from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau and the provincial disaster risk reduction management council were sent to the area

to conduct an assessment.

He said heavy rains spawned by last year’s Typhoon “Pablo” may have caused a crack in the higher section of the village that eventually collapsed, causing the latest landslide.—Frinston L. Lim