MANILA: At least 20 people were killed as torrential rains triggered flash floods and landslides in the southern Philippines, provincial disaster agencies reported on Monday. The provinces of Davao de Oro and Davao del Norte bore the brunt of the calamity, with 13 and 7 casualties, respectively. Additionally, two persons remain missing in Davao de Oro.
The catastrophic events unfolded as a result of a northeast monsoon and the influence of a low-pressure area, leading to torrential rains in the southern Mindanao region from January 28 to February 2. The consequences were tragic floods and landslides that left a trail of devastation in their wake, as reported by the national disaster agency.
Rain Destruction in Philippines
The grim statistics reveal that over 812,000 persons have been affected by the calamity, with approximately 85,000 seeking refuge in evacuation centers to escape the dire conditions. This latest tragedy comes on the heels of another in mid-January, where heavy rains resulted in the loss of 18 lives due to floods and landslides in the southern Philippines.
The Philippines, an archipelago comprising over 7,600 islands, is no stranger to the destructive forces of nature. The nation experiences around 20 tropical storms annually, leading to frequent occurrences of landslides and floods.
