Landslides Kill At Least 83 In Philippines
Some Blame Illegal Logging For Disaster
POSTED: 10:16 a.m. EST December 21, 2003
MANILA, Philippines -- At least 83 people are known dead in floods and landslides in the Philippines -- and officials fear that number could go much higher.
More than 120 people are still missing, as rescuers battle rain and mud, searching for survivors.
In one mountainside village, dozens of houses have been buried under huge mounds of earth, debris and coconut trees. A disaster official tells The Associated Press the scene is "very, very depressing"
About 50 bodies have been found in the town. Rescuers describe digging up bodies of whole families buried together, including a mother embracing her children.
Some are blaming the tragedy on years of illegal logging.
Copyright 2003 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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I have a friend who's over there with her family right now. Hopefully all are safe!