At least 16 people have died in the northern Philippines following nine days of heavy rainfall, equivalent to more than a month's worth in some areas, according to rescuers. The downpour, intensified by tropical storms, triggered floods, landslides and accidents across Luzon, the country's main island. In the resort city of Baguio, seven people died when a rain-soaked mountainside collapsed onto three houses. Rescuers continue searching for three others still missing.
Rescue operations are ongoing but limited to manual efforts due to persistent heavy rain and the risk of further landslides, said Esther Banawe, a city rescuer. A designated safety officer is overseeing the work to prevent additional casualties. The severe weather has forced the closure of schools and government offices across Luzon, including in the capital, Manila, where streets have been submerged.
The decision to continue rescue operations manually in active landslide zones raises concerns about responder safety. When recovery efforts depend on weather conditions that also threaten lives, the balance between urgency and risk becomes unclear. This situation highlights the strain on local emergency systems during prolonged climate-related disasters.
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