200 feared dead, 1,500 lost in Southern Leyte landslide

Southern Leyte landslide: repeat of past errors? By Ma. Aurora Fajardo

The Philippine National Red Cross on Friday estimated that as many as 200 people might have died after a landslide hit Guinsaugon village in St. Bernard town in Southern Leyte.

Rescue workers recovered the bodies of four people as of posting time. At least 1,500 others were still reported missing after rocks and mud covered over 300 houses and a school building. Local government officials blamed continuous rains since last week for the landslide. Soil from a nearby mountain gave way at around 11 a.m. Friday. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said an earthquake rattled Southern Leyte half an hour before the landslide, radio reports said. The 2.6 magnitude quake occurred around 10:30 a.m. The epicenter was located in near Sogod town. Residents said they felt the earth rumble around 11 a.m. Provincial and regional disaster coordinating councils placed rescue teams on alert upon learning of the incident. Rescue teams feared for the safety of the pupils and teachers of Guinsaugon Elementary School, which was reportedly covered mud and rock. Residents said a program was ongoing when the incident happened. President Arroyo immediately declared a state of calamity in Southern Leyte, which has been hurting from landslides and flooding for over a week now. Residents said a school program was ongoing when the incident happened. Dr. Anthony Golez, National Disaster Coordinating Council spokesman, told GMA’s DZBB the Armed Forces will utilize all resources in the search and rescue efforts. Air Force deputy spokesman Major Augusto dela Peña said they have dispatched a Sikorsky helicopter from Mactan Island in Cebu to assist in the ongoing search and rescue operation. Two UH-1H helicopters stationed in Tacloban City were also placed on standby. Air Force personnel said 90 percent of the village is covered with mud. They said the debris fell from the top of Mount Abac. -GMANEWS.TV, with a report from inq7.net