Saturday 3 August 2013

Two children killed by landslide in the Philippines.

Two children were killed by a landslide that buried three homes at Limpapa Village in Baragay Limpapa, 42 km to the northwest of Zamboanga City on the western tip of Mindanao Island in the Philippines, at about 7.30 am local time on Saturday 3 August 2013 (about 11.30 pm on Friday 2 August, GMT). The two have been named as Agustin Kaluuyan (14) and his sister Ayen (6), who died of multiple injuries when the landslide hit their house. Neither of the children's parents were present at the time, though a third, as yet unnamed, person was taken to hospital with injuries.

The site of the 3 August 2013 Baragay Limpapa landslide. The News.

The incident comes after a week of heavy rains, which had been particularly intense in the 24 hours leading up to the landslide. Landslides are a common problem after severe weather events, as excess pore water pressure can overcome cohesion in soil and sediments, allowing them to flow like liquids. Approximately 90% of all landslides are caused by heavy rainfall. Authorities in Zamboanga are monitoring several other sites in the area which are showing signs of soil movement due to the rains.

The approximate location of the 3 August 2013 Baragay Limpapa landslide. Google Maps.


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