Two people were killed and several others injured after two centuries-old mango trees fell on homes during heavy rain and strong winds in Barangay Catalunan Grande, Davao City, late Thursday, Oct. 29.
The trees toppled at Purok 31, Sitio San Miguel, crushing residential structures, according to a police spot report. The incident was reported to Central 911 at about 10:45 p.m.
Personnel from Talomo Police Station, including investigators and the acting station commander, responded with the Search and Urban Rescue Team and barangay responders.
One victim was a 29-year-old married security guard staying in a bunkhouse at Purok 31, Apo Highlands. The structure was destroyed when the two mango trees beside it fell, trapping him underneath. He suffered fatal head injuries.
His injured family members were taken to Southern Philippines Medical Center for treatment. Police said the security guard was trapped beneath the fallen trees after the bunkhouse was crushed.
The second victim was a 38-year-old water delivery worker who lived at Purok 32, Sitio San Miguel. His live-in partner told police they were inside their home at about 8:30 p.m. when heavy rain and strong winds intensified. They tried to evacuate, but he remained inside when a large tree fell onto the house.
He was trapped and sustained severe head injuries. Central 911 Ambulance Medic 06 brought him to SPMC, where his attending physician declared him dead at 12:09 a.m. on Oct. 30.
The second victim’s partner said they sensed danger as the weather worsened and tried to leave the house before the tree struck, she told police.
Police said the two fatalities were brought to separate funeral facilities. The report said the trees fell amid heavy rain and strong winds.
Authorities continue to remind residents to take pre
cautions and seek safer shelter when severe weather threatens their communities.
