A FAMILY of four died in a landslide incident on January 14, 2017 in Tandik, Maragusan, Compostela Valley Province after heavy rains poured due to the tail-end of cold front.
It also triggered widespread flooding that displaced several families in Davao Region.
Based on the initial report from Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) Compostela Valley, the landslide happened at around 8:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Office of Civil Defense Davao regional director Leoncio Cirunay identified the fatalities as Ramon Magallanes, 29; Rowena Magallanes, 22; Hazel Magallanes, 3 years old; and Joey Magallanes, one year old.
The bodies were recovered at around 10:30 p.m. The landslide was triggered by the incessant rain in the area.
The victims’ house was located near a landslide prone and far-flung area in Compostela Valley. Their house was buried by the toppled soil.
Other areas affected by flashfloods include Compostela, Monkayo, Montevista, Nabunturan and New Bataan. Local executives suspended classes.
Cirunay said that in Davao Region, two provinces were affected including Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental, three municipalities and five barangays.
A total of 100 families or 388 individuals were taking temporary evacuation in seven evacuation centers. As of Monday afternoon, January 15, evacuees are still in the evacuation centers as water level has not yet subsided.
Based on the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) rainfall warning issued at 9:20 p.m., Sunday, January 14, a yellow warning was issued in Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte(Tubay, Butuan), Davao Oriental, CompostelaValley, Davao del Norte, Davao City, Bukidnon (Cabanglasan, Valencia, Don Carlos, Kibawe, Malaybalay City), Sultan Kudarat (Lutayan).
A yellow warning means “caution” where 7.5 to 15 millimeter rain is observed in 1 hour and will continue in two hours which will likely result to flooding.
The same yellow warning was issued in Zamboanga del Norte (Baliguian, Siocon, Sirawai, Sibuco), Zamboanga Sibugay (Kabasalan), Zamboanga del Sur (Bayog) where flooding is possible especially in low-lying areas along river channels.
Meanwhile, the state weather bureau said on Monday, January 15, the tail-end of a cold front will bring moderate to heavy rains over the provinces of Masbate, Albay, and Sorsogon.
The trough of the LPA will also bring moderate to heavy rains over Palawan and the regions of Eastern Visayas, Central Visayas, Davao and Caraga.
Residents were advised to take precautionary measures against possible landslide and floods.