Landslides, floods from Typhoon Lando kill 5 in Cordillera region

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Flash floods and landslides triggered by Typhoon Lando (Koppu) have killed at least 5 people in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), according to provincial disaster officials.

In Benguet province, the body of 56-year-old farmer Fernando Gumpad was retrieved early Monday, October 19, in the municipality of Bakun. The victim had left to tend to his farm on Sunday morning, but failed to return home by nightfall. His family later found out that a landslide had occurred near their farm.

Norton Aniceto Jose, 26, was also confirmed killed due to drowning after he was swept away by strong currents early Monday in Barangay Natubleng in Buguias, Benguet.

Landslide incidents were also reported in La Trinidad, injuring at least 5 people, and the villages of Cruz, Ambiong, Apalan, and Longlong. Flash floods were reported at the villages of Pico, Puguis, Wangal and Buyagan. 

In Ifugao, two victims were confirmed killed due to landslides: Antonio Pallay, 61; and Reginaldo Basilio, 38.

In Baguio City, two young children were killed after being trapped inside their house at Middle Quezon Hill. Vanessa, 6, and Dianne, 7, died after they were buried in a landslide around 8:30 pm Monday night.

The city is currently experiencing a city-wide power blackout due to heavy rain and strong winds that toppled electric posts. Naguilian Road and Marcos Highway, however, remain passable to all vehicles.

According to the city’s weather station, a total of 504.5 mm of rain have been recorded from 8 am to 10 pm on Monday, October 19 – more than the average rainfall for October. The continuous downpour triggered flooding in parts of the city, including Burnham Park.

More than 250 families, or 800 persons, have been forced to evacuate.

In Kalinga, 1,480 families or around 6,051 individuals have been affected by the typhoon. Nearly 5,000 people are seeking temporary shelter in evacuation centers, as more than 300 houses have been reported damaged because of the typhoon.

Two persons were earlier reported to be trapped in Barangay Cabaruan, situated across the Chico River. Both were successfully rescued.

As of 10 am Tuesday, October 20, the state weather agency said Lando had weakened into a tropical storm as it moved slowly toward Calayan and Babuyan group of islands.

Storm warning signals remain up over parts of northern and central Luzon. – Rappler.com