LEGAZPI CITY – Three people were killed and one was injured after two houses collapsed in Purok 3, Barangay Maguiron, Guinobatan, Albay, as a result of Tropical Storm Kristine.
According to Barangay Councilor Helen Rasal, the incident occurred around 8 PM on Tuesday evening.
The victims were reportedly sleeping when they heard a loud sound, followed by a landslide that buried their homes.
Rescue teams from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) quickly responded to the scene, launching search and rescue operations.
A 16-year-old was the first to be rescued, while a 77-year-old grandfather and a 50-year-old mother were rushed to the hospital but were later declared dead.
Meanwhile, it took authorities over 15 hours to retrieve the body of a 19-year-old girl trapped under heavy debris.
Rescue teams faced challenges due to the weight of the concrete that pinned the victim.
Councilor Rasal noted that the family usually evacuated during heavy rains and strong winds, but the rain was not as intense on the night of the incident, leading them to stay home.
This was the first time a house had collapsed in the area, which was not considered a landslide-prone zone.
The official reminded residents to remain vigilant during natural disasters to prevent unexpected tragedies.