Four minors died while three others were injured after they were hit by a tree that fell in Malabang, Lanao del Sur on Friday, September 13, 2024.

According to the Bangsamoro Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD), the tree was uprooted due to the severe weather conditions.

Those who died were seven to 15 years old. The other three injured minors remain in the hospital, as of this writing.

MSSD has provided assistance such as food packs to the families of the victims. It also committed to provide burial assistance to the families of the deceased and financial aid to those receiving treatment.

MSSD, Bangsamoro Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence (READi), and other agencies concerned are monitoring the weather conditions closely to ensure timely emergency response and support.

The Bangsamoro Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center (BDRRMOC) has raised its alert status to “blue” around 5 p.m. on Friday, September 13, 2024.

All Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (LDRRMCs), especially in Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Cotabato City, and Special Geographic Area (SGA) were also directed to raise the alert status of their respective operations center.