2 hurt in Samar landslide

TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines — Two persons were injured when a landslide hit Purok 5, Barangay Mercedes, Catbalogan, Samar yesterday amid heavy rains.

The Catbalogan City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said three houses made of light materials were destroyed when a perimeter wall fell.

Mayor Dexter Uy identified the victims as Annabelle, 36, and Kevin, 14, both surnamed Cabarles, who were taken to a hospital for treatment.

Uy ordered the forced evacuation of 53 families in the area. Last week, 43 other families were forced to evacuate their homes due to incessant rains spawned by Typhoon Marilyn.

He said residents have been repeatedly told to evacuate their homes after the area was  identified as landslide-prone.

Several persons died in a landslide in Purok 6, Barangay Mercedes in July 2016.

Meanwhile, in Tawi-Tawi, the provincial disaster risk reduction and management council said more than 400 houses in Bongao, Simunul and Tandubas towns were destroyed by big waves and strong winds at the height of the typhoon.

The provincial government is attending to the needs of displaced residents. – John Unson