At least 15 dead in Philippines

Days of intense rainfall in the Philippines have resulted in at least 16 fatalities, according to rescuers on August 10. The prolonged downpour, which equated to more than a month's worth of rain in certain areas, led to floods, landslides, and accidents across Luzon, the main island.

Seven casualties were recorded in Baguio, a resort town, when a rain-soaked mountainside collapsed, toppling three homes. Three individuals remain missing. Rescue operations are ongoing but are limited to manual efforts due to the persistent heavy rains. Safety measures are in place, with a designated officer overseeing the work to prevent additional landslides.

Dan Villamil, a weather forecaster, reported that the rainfall in Baguio was 47% above the monthly average. The city recorded 1,413.2mm of rain between August 1-9, while its usual precipitation for the month is 963.2mm. Metro Manila experienced rainfall equivalent to nearly 90% of an average August.

In addition to Baguio, landslides claimed six more lives on Luzon, one person drowned, another was struck by a falling tree, and another individual was electrocuted. Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon stated that floodwaters were receding, but emphasized the need to address decades-old faulty flood mitigation interventions.

The Philippines, being the first major landmass in the Pacific cyclone belt, faces an average of 20 storms and typhoons annually, leaving millions of people in disaster-prone areas in a state of perpetual poverty. Climate scientists attribute the intensification of extreme weather to human-driven climate change.