Manila(The COW News Digital) At least seven people, including four members of the same family, were killed after landslides triggered by heavy rainfall struck parts of the southern Philippines, authorities confirmed on Friday.
The fatalities were reported in the provinces of Davao de Oro and Davao Oriental following days of intense rain that saturated hillsides and weakened unstable terrain. Rescue teams have been deployed to affected communities as officials continue to assess the full extent of the damage.
According to the Philippine Red Cross, three bodies were recovered overnight from debris in a village in the town of Monkayo, located in Davao de Oro province. Emergency responders worked through hazardous conditions to retrieve the victims, as unstable soil and ongoing rainfall complicated operations.
Richard Gordon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Philippine Red Cross, said in a social media statement that assessment teams remain on the ground to ensure the safety of residents and aid workers. He noted that continuous monitoring is underway to identify further risks of landslides or flooding in vulnerable areas.
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In a separate incident early Friday morning, a landslide struck a residential area in Mati City, Davao Oriental, burying four members of the same family under mud and debris. Local fire officials confirmed the deaths, stating that rescue crews responded swiftly but were unable to save the victims.
Flooding and landslides have also affected communities in Surigao del Sur, alongside Davao de Oro and Davao Oriental. The Philippine Red Cross has placed its local chapters in the impacted provinces on high alert, mobilizing volunteers, rescue units, and relief supplies to support displaced families.
Seasonal heavy rains frequently trigger landslides in the Philippines, a country prone to natural disasters due to its mountainous terrain and tropical climate. Authorities regularly urge residents in high-risk areas to remain vigilant and heed evacuation advisories, particularly during prolonged rainfall.
Local government units are continuing damage assessments, while humanitarian teams focus on clearing debris and providing emergency assistance. Officials have warned that additional rainfall could further destabilize slopes, posing ongoing risks to nearby communities.
The incident highlights the vulnerability of many rural settlements built near hillsides and riverbanks, where infrastructure is often limited and early warning systems may not fully mitigate disaster risks.
