A devastating landslide that struck a gold mine in the southern Philippines on Tuesday night has claimed the lives of 37 people, while 63 others are still missing, according to the latest official update.
What happened?
The landslide occurred outside a gold mine in Maco town in the province of Davao de Oro, burying homes and vehicles ferrying employees to the site operated by Apex Mining. The disaster was triggered by heavy rains that have battered the region in recent weeks, causing floods and landslides.
How are the rescue efforts going?
More than 300 people are involved in the rescue operations, but they are facing challenges such as thick mud, heavy rain, and the risk of further landslides. Rescue work resumed on Sunday morning, but the hope of finding more survivors is fading. So far, only one child has been saved from the rubble on Friday.
What are the impacts of the landslide?
The landslide has not only caused a huge loss of human lives, but also affected the livelihoods of many people who depend on the gold mine for income. The mine is one of the largest in the country, producing about 40,000 ounces of gold annually. The company has suspended its operations until further notice.
The landslide has also raised questions about the safety and environmental standards of the mining industry in the Philippines, which has a history of accidents and controversies. The government has ordered an investigation into the cause of the landslide and the compliance of the mine with the regulations.
How can we help?
The victims of the landslide need our support and solidarity in this difficult time. There are several ways we can help, such as:
- Donating money or goods to the relief agencies that are providing assistance to the affected families. Some of the organizations that are accepting donations are Philippine Red Cross, UNICEF Philippines, and Caritas Philippines.
- Raising awareness and spreading accurate information about the situation and the needs of the victims. We can use social media platforms and hashtags such as #PrayForMaco, #PhilippineLandslide, and #HelpDavaoDeOro to share updates and stories from the ground.
- Advocating for better policies and practices that can prevent or mitigate such disasters in the future. We can sign petitions, join campaigns, and contact our representatives to demand more accountability and responsibility from the mining sector and the government.
Let us all stand with the people of Maco and Davao de Oro as they cope with this tragedy and rebuild their lives.
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