Five killed in Zamboanga landslides

KAPATAGAN, Lanao del Norte — At least five persons were confirmed dead in a landslide brought about by flashfloods that hit seven coastal barangays in Aurora, Zamboanga del Sur.

The affected areas include Sta. Cruz, Balili, Dunggo-an, Lapinig, Margos, Taguitic in Kapatagan and Barangay Anunang and Tugaya. Authorities said the areas experienced several days of heavy rains prior to the landslides.

A survey conducted by the Lanao del Norte Electric Cooperative (LANECO), headed by its manager Resnol Torres, showed that the national highway from Kapatagan to Aurora is not passable due to the landslides. The LANECO linemen are currently securing the distribution line for possible restoration of the electric power.

Lanao del Norte Gov. Imelda Quibarnaza Dimaporo ordered the Provincial Engineering Office to clear the national highway affected by landslides triggered by heavy rains since Sunday afternoon.

Residents of Donggoan said they heard an explosion before the flashfloods occurred at 2 a.m. yesterday, prompting residents to evacuate to high grounds.

Kapatagan Mayor Benny Baguio said an estimated 135 families are now housed at the Kapatagan Gymnasium where the relief operations are ongoing.

PNP Regional Director Florante Baguio visited the evacuation center with the 6th Marine Battalion Landing Team and the Philippine Army.

Sketchy reports said that four vehicles were covered by mudslide in Barangay Mamagum in Sultan Naga Dimaporo while a Rural Transit bus fell into a ravine when hit by another landslide in Barangay Tugaya in Aurora where rescue and retrieval operations are now being conducted.

There were three fatalities in the Rural Transit bus, two of whom were identified as Thelma Alam and Felicitas Guyab.

Since Lanao del Norte Disaster Coordinating Council has not yet fully organized its own rescue team, the Rescue 811 team from Iligan City responded and established its control base in Barangay Lapinig. Classes in the affected barangays were temporarily suspended.

Houses were buried, including a DPWH grader supposed to be used for clearing the national highway. — With Lino dela Cruz