Leyte 2006
DISASTER ALERT
72-A Times St., West Triangle,Quezon City, Phils
Telefax no. (632)929-9822
Tel no.(632) 929-9822 / 928-7860
e-mail: cdrc@mydestiny.net
homepage: www.cdrc-phil.org
No. 04 / February 17, 2006
Whole village buried in mud due to landslide
Some 3,000 residents lost practically everything after a massive landslide
buried the whole village of Barangay Guinsaugon, St. Bernard, in Southern
Leyte.
The landslide, which put under mud and boulders some 2,000 individuals, was
reported to have been caused by continuous rain that started two weeks ago
and triggered by a slight 2.6 magnitude earthquake.
The whole village gone
At around 11 this morning, almost half of the nearby mountain succumbed to
rainwater and slight tremor wiping the whole of Guinsaugon and nearby areas.
The thick mud and rocks left no structure standing. All 375 houses were gone
in an instant bringing the number of evacuees to some 5,000 individuals.
According to one resident, the disaster happened in a few minutes. It¡Çs all
over in five minutes.
¡ÈPractically the whole village is gone,¡É were the words uttered by Gov.
Rosette Nerias of Leyte.
Nothing could be seen except a few roofs of tall houses.
An elementary school with a population of 276 students was also buried in
mud.
Although many villagers have already evacuated earlier due to flood threat,
they went back as soon as the situation got a little better. Unfortunately,
the landslide met them.
As of this reporting, search and rescue efforts yielded 58 survivors and 18
dead. At least three children were confirmed dead after they were recovered
from under the mud through whole day of operation.
The need is urgent and increasing
Rescuers commented that the people look exhausted and helpless. A lot remain
in a state of shock.
The circumstances even forced rescuers to use a payloader truck to quickly
excavate bodies and possible survivors in the fatal landslide.
Those who survived usually incurred broken bones, injured heads, and wounds.
They were immediately taken to the nearest health unit.
Limited resources could not accommodate and meet the needs of the evacuees.
Access to lifesaving equipment for emergency situations is also difficult
due to the situation.
More doctors are needed to attend to the continuous flow of survivors and
evacuees. The Rural Health Unit doctor in the area said that survivors are
prone to lung or respiratory infection due to the dirty water and mud that
they swallowed. It is feared that half of those rescued could succumb to
infection within 24 hours unless immediate treatment be given.
The evacuees are temporarily housed in at least three designated evacuation
centers.
The following are the immediate needs of the affected families: potable
water, medicines (especially antibiotics, intravenous fluids, antiseptics,
and pain relievers), stretchers, bandages, food, blankets, and clothing.
In CARAGA
Meanwhile, in CARAGA, which was earlier submerged in floodwaters due to
monsoon rains, the more than 60,000 affected individuals remain in need of
assistance. The Citizens¡Ç Disaster Response Center (CDRC) has already begun
its resource mobilization for the benefit of those affected in the area.
Appeal for help
In the same vein, CDRC appeals to all concerned individuals, agencies, and
organizations to extend immediate assistance to the affected in Region 8.
Leyte Center for Development (LCDE), CDRC¡Çs Regional center in the area, is
already assessing the situation to determine the extent of damages and needs
of the affected.
Material and financial support may be sent to the CDRC office at 72-A Times
St., West Triangle Homes, Quezon City. You may also get in touch with us
through telephone number 929-9822.
--
Name of bank: Bank of the Philippine Islands
Address of Bank: West Triangle Branch 1587 Quezon Blvd. Extension, Quezon
City, Philippines
Account Name: CDRC Inc.
Account Number: $ S/A # 3054-0410-11
Swift Code: BOPI PHMM