In a remarkable turn of events, rescue teams in the southern Philippines discovered a child alive nearly 60 hours after a devastating landslide struck a gold-mining village, defying earlier expectations of grim outcomes.
The unidentified girl, whose age remains undisclosed, emerged as a symbol of hope amid the tragedy that unfolded in Masara village on southern Mindanao island. The landslide, triggered by heavy rains, left more than 100 people missing and claimed the lives of at least 11 individuals.
Rescuers, undeterred by the challenging conditions, utilized their bare hands and shovels in their relentless search for survivors. Edward Macapili of the Davao de Oro province’s disaster agency described the rescue as nothing short of a “miracle,” especially after initial assessments suggested that chances of finding survivors were slim.
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Video footage circulating on social media captured the poignant moment when a rescuer cradled the mud-caked child, her cries echoing a story of resilience and survival. Macapili confirmed that the child appeared unharmed, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the devastation.
The landslide, which struck Tuesday night, wreaked havoc on Masara village, obliterating homes and engulfing vehicles waiting to transport workers from a nearby gold mine. The toll stood at 11 fatalities and 31 injured, with over a hundred individuals still unaccounted for.
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As rain continued to fall over the area on Friday, rescuers faced a race against time and nature to locate potential survivors buried beneath the thick mud. Despite employing heavy earth-moving machinery and sniffer dogs, the search remained arduous, especially in areas inaccessible to equipment.
The region’s susceptibility to landslides is exacerbated by its mountainous terrain, heavy rainfall, and widespread deforestation due to various factors including mining and illegal logging. Recent seismic activity has further destabilized the area, compounding the risks faced by local communities.
In response to recurring disasters, authorities have enforced evacuation measures, declaring certain areas as “no build zones” to mitigate risks. However, challenges persist as communities grapple with displacement and the persistent threat of natural calamities.
The miraculous rescue of the child serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit amidst adversity. As the nation mourns the lives lost and grapples with the aftermath, the survival of the child offers a glimmer of hope and underscores the importance of ongoing efforts to bolster disaster preparedness and response measures across the Philippines.
