One person is known to have died and another is missing after a landslide on a spoil heap struck a bunkhouse at a mine operated by Wellax Industries on Dinagat Island in the Philippines on Tuesday 24 December 2013. Edgar Gallardo (47) is confirmed to have died and Joel Bascon (55) is still missing following the incident, while a third man, Cecyl Penaso (23) was treated for minor injuries. In a separate incident an as yet unnamed security guard is said to have died in a second landslide at the same site the following day.
The approximate location of the 24 & 25 December 2013 Dinagat landslides. Google Maps.
The incident happened following several days of heavy rain. 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. The peak of the annual rainy season falls in December and January each year on Dinagat Island.
See also Couple, baby, rescued after Philippine landslide, At least six dead following landslide on Luzon Island, the Philippines, Man killed by rockfall on Luzon Island, the Philippines, Miner killed in landslide on Mindanao Island, the Philippines and Two children killed by landslide in the Philippines.
Follow Sciency Thoughts on Facebook.