Update on the Mindanao Landslide Near Maco Mining Area
At least six people have died and 31 others were injured in a severe landslide that struck in the Davao de Oro region of Mindanao. Rescue teams continue their work as authorities search for 46 missing individuals and work to locate missing buses that carried workers from Apex Mining. The incident occurred during heavy rainfall on a Tuesday evening local time, with ongoing operations reported on Thursday.
Civil Defense officials indicate that rescue teams have already recovered six bodies and continue to clear mud and collapsed vehicles buried under rocks in the mountainous area. Affected workers were waiting near a mining site when the landslide occurred, prompting swift response from local authorities and the mining company involved. In addition to the workers, the disaster has displaced around 300 families, approximately 2,000 people, who are being sheltered at temporary centers in the city of Maco.
Officials note that rescue efforts are hampered by persistent rain and the potential for further landslides. The Maco municipality has suspended classes in both public and private schools to ensure safety while operations continue. Weather conditions have triggered concerns about more landslides, and authorities remain vigilant as they monitor rainfall patterns and terrain stability in Eastern Mindanao.
Since late January, the southern Philippines have seen record rainfall and related hazards, including avalanches and floods across Mindanao. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has reported multiple incidents across the region, with ongoing assessments of the effects from weather systems including a shear line and monsoonal activity. The overall situation remains dynamic as teams assess damage and coordinate relief for affected communities.
Local authorities emphasize the need for continued caution as the region experiences unsettled weather. The focus remains on stabilizing conditions near the mining operation, supporting displaced residents, and steadily updating the public on rescue progress and safety measures. Ongoing monitoring and rapid response capabilities are in place to address new rainfall and possible emergencies as conditions evolve in Mindanao.