Two children missing after riverbank landslide in Calamba City

CALAMBA CITY – Two children were reported missing after a landslide caused a house to collapse along a riverbank in Barangay Mapagong, Calamba City, on Sunday afternoon, July 19. The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Division launched a search, rescue, and retrieval operation following the incident. Authorities believe the landslide was triggered by a sudden rise in the river's water level due to heavy rainfall. The missing children have been identified as a 9-year-old girl and a 7-year-old boy. While their exact relationship was not immediately specified by officials, news reports indicated they were siblings. Responders, including firefighters and barangay volunteers, conducted search operations along the river. The operation commenced around 3:30 p.m. but was temporarily suspended at 5:45 p.m. due to darkness. Officials stated that search and retrieval efforts would resume on Monday. Incidents of landslides and floods due to heavy rains are common in the Philippines, particularly during the rainy season, posing a constant threat to residents living near rivers and on slopes. This event highlights the increasing risk of natural disasters, potentially exacerbated by more frequent extreme weather events linked to climate change. Source: Inquirer NewsInfo