landslide

Scribbled down on February 16th, 2006 by she
Posted in Where No Flan Has Gone Before

I have made it a habit to turn on the ABS-CBN New channel in an attempt to learn a bit more about the Philippines and Filipino culture. Tonight, the news is filled with reports of the landslide which occurred at St. Bernard in Southern Leyte earlier this afternoon (Feb 16). From what little has been confirmed, there was a light earthquake (magnitude 2.6) shortly before the landslide shortly before 10 am this morning. The landslide is said to have been triggered by the earthquake that caused boulders from a nearby mountain to roll down the hill. The mudslide was made worse by days of incessent rain in the region. There has been a light rain and a number of the buildings have been covered by both mud and water. The local governement is estimating that 375 houses and an elementary school have been buried. While the Red Cross is estimating 200 dead, local authorities fear the number is closer to 2000. Over 200 young children were attending the elementary school which has apparently been entirely encased in mud and water.

Gloria Arroyo (locally known as GMA, the Filipino President) has called out members of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard to help with the rescue efforts and miners are expected to arrive to assist soon. However, darkness falls early close to the equator and the Air Force searches had to be called off between 6-7pm local time. Manual efforts have also been called off, as a shortage of equipment and light has authorities fearing for the safety of rescurers in the area. Planes will be back in the air at dawn tomorrow and rescue operations aer scheduled to resume in 10 to 11 hours.

Anyone interested in donating to the aid fund should contact the Red Cross.


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