4 killed in Tacloban wall collapse

TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines (UPDATED) – Four people died after a wall collapsed on Saturday, January 13, due to continuous heavy rain in Tacloban City, Leyte.

The wall, measuring 3.6 meters (12 feet) high and 40 meters (131 feet) long, was the property wall of a certain Jason Co.

One of the 4 casualties has been identified as Delia Carson, 64, whose body was retrieved early Sunday, January 14, according to Barangay Captain Regina Belarmino of Barangay 43-B Quarry.

Search and retrieval operations were temporarily halted on Sunday evening due to the nonstop rain.

Chief Inspector Rex Cantillep, chief of the Police Community Relations Office of the Tacloban City Police Office, said search and retrieval operations will continue on Monday morning, January 15, to look for Alex Amancio, his wife Shery Jane Amancio, and their 17-year-old daughter. The 3 are believed to be trapped inside their house.

Meanwhile, families living in the area have been evacuated amid fears that the remaining part of the wall would collapse or there could be landslides.

Tacloban City Mayor Cristina Romualdez vowed assistance for the victims and the displaced families.

Tacloban City Disaster Risk Reduction Officer Bernardo Bernadas also advised residents to be cautious and stay indoors, with more heavy rain expected on Monday due to the tail-end of a cold front.

All classes in the city are suspended for Monday. – Rappler.com