Death toll in Cebu landslide climbs to 15; at least 50 still missing

The death toll from the landslide unleashed by monsoon rains in Naga, Cebu has climbed to 15.

According to Ian Cruz's report on "24 Oras", Fire Senior Superintendent Samuel Tadeo said 15 bodies had been retrieved from the site.

Eight survivors have been rescued.

Among those who perished were a father and son, whose bodies were in an embrace when found.

At least 50 people, however, are still missing based on the tally of National Disaster Risk and Reduction Management Council.

“It's possible na tataas pa ang number of missing persons kasi 'yung lower portion po ng affected area, estimated po na may more than 60 houses,” Naga City information officer Gary Cabotaje said.

Earlier in the day, seven bodies were retrieved, including those of two children.

The search and rescue efforts are also facing challenges due to a limited access to heavy equipment in the affected area and the continuous rains which could soften the soil further.

“We have to be careful in conducting search and rescue kasi we have to strike a balance and consider also the safety of our responders. 'Yung volume po kasi ng lupa, medyo marami po,” Cabotaje said.

“Manu-mano po ang pagre-retrieve, pagkuha ng lupa, gamit ang pala at piko. Limited rin po ang access at ang weather condition, gloomy,” Cabotaje added. — Llanesca T. Panti/MDM/NB, GMA News