Seven people died while four others remain missing, as of this writing, after a landslide hit Purok 20, Pag-Asa in Barangay Mt. Diwata, Monkayo, Davao de Oro on Thursday, January 18, 2024.

Authorities said a one-year-old baby is also in critical condition.

The deadly landslide was captured on video by a resident a few hours before falling rocks and mud covered the road and two houses.

Rescue teams immediately carried out a search and retrieval operation but the operation had to be suspended temporarily due to unfavorable weather conditions. The operation will resume on Friday, January 19, 2024.

“Nag conduct tayo ng search at retrieval operation kaya lang dahil malagas pa ang ulan kaya tinigil na lang mana kasi parang hindi na safe sa mga rescuers natin na nandon,” Monkayo Municipal Information Officer Jegrace Cabag said.

Monkayo Mayor Manuel Zamora has ordered forced evacuation due to massive flooding and landslides brought by non-stop rains.

“Ginapahimangnoan usab ni Mayor Way Kurat ang nga residente sa maong lugar nga musunod sa mando alang sa kaluwasan ug seguridad,“ the post reads.

The municipal government urged the public to be vigilant and to follow instructions from authorities.