In a remarkable turn of events, a child has been rescued nearly 60 hours after a devastating landslide struck a gold-mining village in the southern Philippines. This incredible rescue has been hailed as a “miracle” by searchers who had all but given up hope of finding anyone alive amidst the wreckage.
The exact age of the girl has not been disclosed, but she was among the more than 100 people who had been reported missing following the rain-induced landslide. Tragically, at least 15 people lost their lives in the disaster.
Rescuers tirelessly used their bare hands and shovels to comb through the debris in Masara village on southern Mindanao island. Edward Macapili, a disaster agency official from Davao de Oro province, described the discovery as nothing short of miraculous. He explained that searchers had believed that the missing individuals were most likely deceased, making this rescue all the more extraordinary.
Macapili emphasized the significance of this event, stating, “That gives hope to the rescuers. A child’s resilience is usually less than that of adults, yet the child survived.” The resilience and strength displayed by the young girl serve as a testament to the indomitable human spirit in the face of adversity.
The heartwarming moment of the rescue was captured on video and quickly shared across social media platforms. In the footage, a rescuer can be seen carrying the mud-caked child in his arms as she cries. The shared relief and joy in this moment are palpable, as the child appears to be without any visible injuries.
Macapili further revealed that the girl’s father was able to see his child before she was taken to a medical facility for a thorough check-up. This reunion surely brought a sense of relief and gratitude to the family, who had feared the worst.
The landslide occurred late on Tuesday night, wreaking havoc on the village. It destroyed houses and tragically engulfed three buses and a jeepney that were waiting to transport workers from a nearby gold mine. The sheer force and devastation caused by the landslide were overwhelming, making the survival of this child even more remarkable.
This extraordinary rescue serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination of both the rescuers and the survivors. It highlights the unwavering commitment of those involved in search and rescue operations, who continue to work tirelessly to save lives even when the odds seem insurmountable.
In the face of such natural disasters, communities come together, offering support and assistance to those affected. The international community, too, stands in solidarity with the people of the Philippines during this difficult time. It is a testament to the strength of the human spirit that even in the darkest moments, hope can be found, and miracles can happen.
As the recovery efforts continue and the affected community rebuilds, let us celebrate this incredible rescue and honor the lives lost by supporting relief efforts and raising awareness about the importance of disaster preparedness. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that future tragedies are met with swift and effective response.
In conclusion, the rescue of this child after a devastating landslide in the Philippines is nothing short of a miracle. The determination and resilience displayed by both the rescuers and the young girl serve as an inspiration to us all. Let us remember this incredible story as a testament to the indomitable human spirit and continue to support those affected by natural disasters around the world.
Source: The Manila Times
