Philippines Landfill Collapse: Death Toll Reaches 4, Dozens Trapped
Philippines Landslide Buries Homes, Kills Dozens
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A massive landslide triggered by torrential rains engulfed a village in the southern Philippines on January 10, 2026, burying dozens of homes and killing at least 31 people, with scores more missing, according to officials.
What Happened?
A landslide occurred in the village of Masara, Maco, compostela Valley province, at approximately 6:00 AM local time on January 10, 2026. The landslide was caused by days of heavy rainfall that saturated the soil, leading to a collapse of a mountainside.
According to the National Disaster Risk reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the affected area is a known gold mining region, and many of the victims were miners and their families. The landslide covered an estimated 50 houses.
Rescue Efforts
Rescue operations are underway, with dozens of rescuers, including soldiers, police, and volunteers, racing against time to find survivors in the rubble. The NDRRMC reported that as of 4:00 PM local time,31 bodies had been recovered,and at least 110 people remain missing. Rescue efforts are hampered by unstable ground and continued rainfall.
“We are doing our best to locate and rescue those who are still trapped,” said Edward Du, a spokesperson for the Maco municipal disaster office, in a statement to Reuters. Reuters
Previous Landslides in the Region
The Compostela Valley province is prone to landslides, notably during the rainy season.In 2009, a massive landslide in the same province killed over 1,400 people, making it one of the worst natural disasters in Philippine history. Official Gazette of the Philippines. The region’s mountainous terrain and informal mining practices contribute to the high risk of landslides.
In February 2023, landslides triggered by heavy rains killed at least 10 people in the Philippines, highlighting the ongoing vulnerability of the country to such disasters. Al Jazeera
Government Response
The Philippine government has deployed emergency response teams and is providing relief assistance to affected families. president Ferdinand marcos Jr. expressed his condolences to the victims and ordered all government agencies to provide necessary support.the NDRRMC has activated its Incident Command System to coordinate the rescue and relief operations.
The Department of Social Welfare and Growth (DSWD) has pledged to provide food packs, shelter materials, and financial assistance to the landslide victims. Department of Social Welfare and Development