Tupi landslide claimed the life of a 25-year-old man who was sleeping at a local carnival site when a sudden soil collapse occurred in Tupi, South Cotabato.
The victim, identified as Russell Pasawilan, was a carnival staff member and a resident of Barangay Kamanga, Laguilayan, Sultan Kudarat.
According to the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), Pasawilan was sleeping in a section of the carnival located at Purok Bagong Buhay, Barangay Bunao, when the landslide struck following consecutive heavy rains.
MDRRM Officer Emil Sumagaysay reported that a piece of wood hit Pasawilan’s head as the landslide began, before he was completely buried under the collapsing soil.
Pasawilan was immediately brought to the nearest hospital, but doctors declared him dead on arrival.
Meanwhile, several of his colleagues who were also present at the site during the incident were reported safe and unharmed.
Authorities continue to warn the public to stay alert and avoid landslide-prone areas, especially during the rainy season when soil erosion and ground movement are more likely to occur.