Multiple Landslides in Philippines Kills Hundreds

For the South-East Asian country of Philippines, which is already reeling under the effects of its worst flood in four decades, the situation just keeps going from bad to worse. In the latest among a series of natural disasters and tragedies, several landslides rocked various parts of the country and resulted in over 160 people losing their lives, not to mention hundreds who have been injured and the thousands who have been rendered homeless.

The northern part of Philippines has been at the receiving end of one week of continuous heavy rain, following the typhoon Parma, which hit the country the previous weekend. There have been reports that areas in the coastal Pangasinan province were submerged in flood waters. Relentless rain over the past one week has resulted in severe flooding, with certain villages and towns experiencing water levels which were as high as one storeyed homes.

The continuous pounding of heavy rain invariably weakened and loosened the soil in the mountainous terrain, resulting in multiple landslides. The northern province of Benguet and the Mountain Province along the Cordillera mountain are believed to be the worst-affected areas. Baguio City and its surrounding villages and towns were also badly hit by the landslides. The town of La Trinidad happened to bear the brunt of the landslides and suffered the worst damage. Close to 100 people are believed to have died in that area alone. With most homes buried under the debris, it is quite possible that the number of casualties will rise.

Relief operations have been badly hit, due to the persistent rain and the constantly-rising water levels. In some areas, the water level has risen to as much as eight feet, blocking all roads and making it impossible for rescue teams to reach the affected areas. The country's disaster relief agency has requested the assistance of US Troops in nearby areas for air-lifting the landslide victims and transporting them to relief camps. Last heard, the US Navy had deployed a number of helicopters, small aircrafts and boats to assist the rescue operations.