Search resumes for Davao de Oro landslide survivors

Disaster response teams on Friday morning resumed their search for survivors of the landslide in Monkayo, Davao de Oro despite rains that had previously hampered their operations.

According to a report by Regional TV One Mindanao's Kent Abrigana on Balitanghali, the Monkayo Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office deployed search teams at the disaster site in Barangay Mt. Diwata.

Fourteen people attending a prayer worship were buried by earth and rocks when tragedy struck on Thursday.

At least seven people have been confirmed dead, while four are still missing. Three people have been rescued, including a one-year-old infant who remains in critical condition, the report said.

Search operations were paused at 3:30 p.m. Thursday due to heavy rains caused by a shear line.

Meanwhile, local authorities pushed through with their plans to implement a forced evacuation in the area.

Regional TV One Mindanao reported that 25 families have been taken to Mt. Diwata Elementary School.

Help for victims

As this developed, the House of Representatives will facilitate the release of P35M financial aid for the victims of floods and landslides in Davao Region, Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said on Friday.

In a statement, Romualdez said it has been working with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to release P5 million to each of the following districts:

• Davao de Oro, 1st District
• Davao de Oro, 2nd District
• Davao Oriental, 1st District
• Davao Oriental, 2nd District
• Davao del Norte, 1st District
• Davao del Norte, 2nd District
• Davao Occidental's lone district

Some 2,500 food packs will also be distributed to each district.

"Every moment counts, and we are working tirelessly to ensure that financial aid and essential supplies reach those in need without delay," Romualdez said.

"We understand the gravity of the situation, and our combined efforts aim to alleviate the immediate challenges faced by our fellow Filipinos," he added.

A total of 187,108 people or 44,888 were affected by the shear line in Davao Region as of Thursday, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

Of the affected population, 6,709 people or 1,990 families were staying in evacuation centers, while 2,198 persons or 525 families were taking shelter in other places.

Assistance worth P2,917,258 has been provided for the victims so far, according to the NDRRMC. — with a report from Joviland Rita/ VDV, GMA Integrated News