MANILA: A child was rescued nearly 60 hours after a devastating landslide struck a gold-mining village in the southern Philippines, offering a glimmer of hope amid the tragedy that has unfolded.
The girl, whose exact age remains undisclosed, emerged as a beacon of resilience after being found alive amidst the debris of Masara village on southern Mindanao island. The landslide, triggered by heavy rains, had left over 100 people missing and claimed the lives of at least 15 individuals, according to official reports.
Rescuers, who had initially lost hope of finding survivors, tirelessly searched the rubble using their bare hands and shovels. The discovery of the child, crying and covered in mud, was hailed as nothing short of a miracle by Edward Macapili, a disaster agency official from Davao de Oro province.
Despite the challenging conditions and dwindling prospects, the child’s survival has renewed optimism among rescuers and communities grappling with the aftermath of the disaster. Video footage capturing the emotional moment of her rescue circulated on social media, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the devastation.
The child, visibly unharmed, was reunited with her father before being transported to a medical facility for a thorough examination. Her survival defied the odds and underscored the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
However, the tragedy has cast a shadow over the region, with scores of individuals still unaccounted for and families anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones. The relentless rain and treacherous conditions have posed significant challenges for search and rescue operations, further complicating efforts to locate survivors.
The landslide, which obliterated homes and vehicles, serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers posed by natural disasters in the Philippines. Landslides are a recurrent hazard in the archipelago nation, exacerbated by factors such as heavy rainfall and deforestation.
Despite warnings and previous incidents, communities continue to inhabit high-risk areas, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive disaster preparedness and mitigation measures. As the nation mourns the lives lost and grapples with the aftermath of the tragedy, there is a collective call for greater vigilance and proactive measures to prevent future catastrophes.
