DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / February 21) — A family of four in Mati City, Davao Oriental died on Friday after being buried together in a landslide following continued heavy rains since Wednesday. The victims, identified as Abibollah Anting, 41; Jessa Anting, 40; and their two daughters Nhor Habiba, 15, and Thahani, 5, were residents of Upper Salazar, Brgy. Central. Dexter Discotido of the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) reported that the landslide occurred between 5 and 7 a.m. after the family returned to sleep following their dawn prayer. Retrieval operations began at 7:52 a.m. and were completed by 11 a.m., with rescuers unable to revive the victims. The landslide, caused by a fissured rock that collapsed after recent rains, resulted in road obstruction. The rock, cracked since a doublet earthquake on October 10 last year, was not reported by residents as it was not seen as a threat. A site assessment revealed the soil type as “chalky limestone,” prone to collapse when water seeps into its cracks. Seven nearby families were evacuated to Upper Bliss. Drivers are advised to use the adjacent single-lane road in Upper Salazar. PAGASA has issued weather advisories for heavy rainfall in several areas due to a shear line. (Razl EJ Teman / MindaNews)
