Search for landslide victims ends in Abuyog, Leyte

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Tuesday formally ceased the search and rescue operations for victims of the landslide in Abuyog, Leyte.

According to Oscar Oida’s report on “24 Oras,” the NDRRMC said the operation had to be stopped because the chances of survival are now minimal.

It added that rescuers are exposed to higher risk based on the analysis conducted by the Mines and Geosciences and Bureau.

Reports said at least 100 people were still missing in the area a week after the landslide happened.

“Posibleng gumuho o unti-unting nakikitang umuusad pa rin ang lupa towards landslide. Although I cannot confirm this, but I heard in one of the local interviews na meron parang naaamoy na doon sa areas,” NDRRMC spokesperson Mark Timbal said.

(It is possible for the ground to collapse or move towards a landslide. Although I can't confirm this, I heard in one of the local interviews that there seems to be a smell in those areas.)

Search and rescue in Barangays Bunga and Mailhi have also been stopped.

One of the residents, Jolito Modina, laid flowers and lit candles for his brother Jimmy near ground zero.

“Ang gusto sana namin sir makita yung katawan niya. Wala rin naman kaming pambayad ng mga equipment na gagamitin. Pero tinatanggap na namin sir. Pero masakit lang sa loob,” he said.

(We would have liked to see his body. We do not have the money to pay for the equipment to be used. We accept it, sir. But it really hurts.)

Meanwhile, the city government of Baybay will continue search and rescue in Barangay Kantagnos where more than 60 people are still missing.

The city government has also declared Kantagnos not suitable for habitation.

“We will be conducting an assessment for the proposed relocation sites ng Kambongan, Bubon, Maganahan,” Timbal said. — Mel Matthew Doctor/BM, GMA News