A 59-year-old man died after being buried in soil while digging a deep well in Barangay 33-B, La Paz, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.
According to the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), the well was more than 12 feet deep when the soil suddenly collapsed and buried the victim.
Responders had to use a backhoe during the search and retrieval operation due to the depth and the condition of the soil.
Authorities said recent rains had softened the ground. This increased the risk of collapse.
The person who commissioned the digging of the well has promised to help the victim’s family.
Dr. Medel Manuel, head of Laoag CDRRMO, reminded residents to consider the season before conducting similar work.
"Payo ng CDRRMO sa mga residente, dapat sa dry season maghukay ng balon dahil mas matigas ang lupa," he said.
