At least 27 lives have been claimed by a devastating rain-induced landslide in a gold-mining village in the southern Philippines, with a miraculous rescue of a three-year-old child offering a ray of hope amidst the tragedy. The toddler was found nearly 60 hours after the landslide, bearing no visible injuries.
A Region Battered by Heavy Rainfall
The region has been grappling with relentless heavy rainfall for weeks, leading to multiple landslides and extensive flooding. Landslides are a frequent hazard in the Philippines, with its mountainous terrain, heavy precipitation, and deforestation resulting from mining and logging activities exacerbating the risk.
The area affected by the recent landslide had previously been declared a ‘no-build zone’ following landslides in 2007 and 2008. Despite the warnings, informal settlers and miners had reportedly returned to the area, driven by economic necessity.
Landslides: A Complex Interplay of Forces
Rain-induced landslides are a complex phenomenon, resulting from the intricate interaction of various factors. Geologists and engineers are working tirelessly to better understand the mechanisms…
