15 die in Davao landslides, 7 deaths pending

Fifteen people died in separate landslide incidents caused by heavy rains in the Davao Region on Thursday; however, seven deaths are still being validated.

Ten individuals lost their lives in Barangay Mt. Diwata in Monkayo, Davao de Oro; two in Davao City, and one in Maragusan, Davao de Oro.

Rescue efforts continue with search teams working despite challenging weather conditions, but all people reported missing in Davao de Oro have been accounted for.

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Region 11 Director Ednar Dayanghirang stated that around 490,000 individuals or 111,000 families across 297 barangays were affected by flooding in the Davao Region.

Damage to agriculture has reached P57 million, and 40 houses have been damaged by floods and landslides; however, weather conditions have improved, and floodwaters have receded in the Davao provinces.

The provincial government of Davao del Norte and five other municipalities have declared a state of calamity, with at least P25 million worth of assistance provided to affected residents.