Death toll in Naga City, Cebu landslide rises to 55

The death toll in the landslide that hit Naga City, Cebu has reached 55, according to a report on Unang Balita on Tuesday.

Authorities estimate that at least 40 people are still missing, but the chances of finding them alive remain slim.

Using life detectors, rescuers could not get any sign of life from the ground yet.

"Basta merong mga void spaces at puwedeng panggalingan ng hangin from mula sa taas papunta du'n sa ano ng victim. But normally based on our experience kapag landslide, kapag ganito katagal na, medyo small chances na 'yung chance of survival ng mga victim," said Technical Search team leader Hector Reyes.

The landslide struck the barangays of Naalad and Tinaan at around 6 a.m. on September 20.

Naga City Mayor Kristine Vanessa Chiong on Sunday said she was informed by Baltazar Tribunalo, ground commander of the Incident Command Post in the barangay, that there is only a "very slim chance" of survival for those still trapped.

Due to the extent of the landslide, some areas are challenging to reach.

Rescuers are also challenged by the unstable soil.

Some residents have turned to prayer for help in finding their missing relatives.

Six thousand residents meanwhile, were forcibly evacuated.

At least five evacuation centers, however, had contaminated water, the Department of Health discovered.

Eleven evacuees including a minor have had diarrhea as a result. —KG, GMA News