Tuesday, February 21, 2006 (Philippines)

Rescue efforts continue. Top: Volunteers use a rope to move a huge boulder. Above left: US Marines dig at the site of the schoolbuilding where the signs of life were reportedly heard, marked by a Philippine flag (above right). (Top and above right, Sunstar photos/Alex Badayos;Above left, Ap photo) GUINSAUGON, Southern Leyte - Hopes of finding survivors were rekindled after rescue workers detected “signs of life” yesterday at the site of an elementary school buried by a landslide. Sounds of scratching and a rhythmic tapping were picked up by seismic sensors and sound-detection gear brought in by US, Taiwanese and Malaysian forces, said South Leyte Gov. Rosette Lerias. Generator-powered lights were set up to allow teams of rescue workers to dig through the night. Military choppers, ambulance and doctors are also on standby. [full story]