By Jim Lloyd Dongiapon
The search and retrieval operations for the remaining missing victims of the landslides caused by Severe Tropical Storm “Paeng” (international name “Nalgae”) in Barangay Kusiong, Datu Odin Sinsuat in Maguindanao del Norte, ended on Wednesday, November 2.
Datu Jaffer Sinsuat, chairman of Barangay Kusiong, where the landslide occurred, said the incident command post, led by the Philippine Army’s 6th Infantry Division, ended operations and handed over responsibility to Datu Odin Sinsuat’s local government.
He added that unless the local government issues a directive, the operations cannot continue.
In addition, he stated that the local government and authorities will now concentrate on the rehabilitation of the affected areas as well as relief efforts for the victims.
The soil and mud that engulfed the community have now hardened, complicating rescuers’ efforts to dig up and retrieve the dead bodies, he added.
Rescuers from various government agencies and local government units banded together to assist in the recovery of the bodies buried in the erosion.
Before ending the operation, the rescuers lit candles and offered prayers for the victims who had died on site.
As per the latest count, 23 dead bodies have been recovered, and three children remain missing.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Thursday, November 3, reported 44 deaths in the entire town of Datu Odin Sinsuat.
Rescuers from various government agencies and local government units banded together to assist in the recovery of the bodies buried in the erosion.
Over a hundred houses were damaged when a portion of Mount Minandar collapsed and covered the entire community in thick mud, rocks, and trees.
Sinsuat disclosed that landslide-affected families will be relocated, but has not given further details about the matter.
The government will provide assistance to families whose homes were damaged or whose family members died as a result of the storm.