Philippines landslides, floods kill 12, leave 8 missing

At least 12 people have died and eight are missing in the Philippines due to relentless monsoon rains and associated landslides and floods. The severe weather, intensified by two tropical cyclones, has impacted over half a million people across 33 provinces, damaging hundreds of homes and infrastructure.

In the mountainous city of Baguio on Luzon island, a landslide buried several houses, resulting in four deaths and six disappearances. Approximately 150 rescuers are engaged in ongoing search and retrieval operations amid continued heavy rainfall. The city has reported a dozen other landslide incidents.

“

More than half a million people in 33 provinces have been affected by the south-west monsoon that’s been enhanced by two tropical cyclones, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

To mitigate the impact of the widespread flooding and disruption, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered government workers in Metro Manila and over a dozen provinces to work from home. Schools were also instructed to implement alternative learning modes. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council is coordinating the response to the ongoing crisis.

“

Around 150 rescuers are working on rotation as search and retrieval operation continues, it said, adding that a dozen other landslide incidents have been monitored in Baguio City amid continued heavy rains.