Heavy rains cause deadly landslides in Davao Region, Philippines

At least seven people died in two rain-induced landslides that struck the Davao Region of southeastern Mindanao between February 19 and 20, following several days of persistent rainfall linked to a prevailing shear line and moist easterly winds.

The Philippine Red Cross confirmed that three people were killed late on February 19 in Barangay Rizal, Monkayo, Davao de Oro, when saturated ground collapsed onto a residential structure. On the morning of February 20, another landslide in Upper Salazar, Mati City, Davao Oriental, buried a family home, killing a couple and their two daughters.

The Mati City Fire Station and local responders carried out recovery operations with heavy equipment support. Provincial authorities extended financial and psychosocial assistance to the affected families, and the Provincial Government of Davao Oriental confirmed the release of ₱ 40 000 in aid to relatives of the victims.

Local media reported an unconfirmed fatality involving a small-scale miner in Pantukan, Davao de Oro, on February 20, but this report remains unverified as of February 21.

Meteorologists at the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that the stationary shear line remained anchored near eastern Mindanao, enhanced by moist northeasterly winds.

This pattern produced moderate to heavy rain for several days, resulting in progressive soil saturation and slope instability across hilly terrain. Rainfall warnings remained in effect across multiple provinces, with Orange-level alerts in place for Mati City, Tarragona, Manay, and Caraga in Davao Oriental, and Monkayo, Compostela, and Maragusan in Davao de Oro. Yellow alerts were raised for neighboring municipalities in Davao del Norte.

In Weather Advisory No. 13 – Final, issued at 17:00 PHT (09:00 UTC) on February 21, PAGASA meteorologists stated that the shear line was no longer expected to bring significant rainfall over the eastern sections of Visayas and Mindanao.

Scattered rains and isolated thunderstorms may still occur in parts of Eastern Visayas, Misamis Oriental, Camiguin, Surigao del Norte, and Dinagat Islands within 24 hours. The advisory marked the end of the shear-line episode, although local rainfall warnings and thunderstorm advisories remained in effect as needed.

References:

¹ Daily Weather Bulletin – PAGASA – February 19 and 21, 2026

² DROMIC Report # 4 on the Effects of Shear Line in Mindanao – Department of Social Welfare and Development – February 21, 2026

³ 7 dead in Davao Oro, Davao Oriental landslides – PNA – February 20, 2026

Reet Kaur

I’m a science journalist and researcher at The Watchers, contributing to the Epicenter edition, where I cover peer-reviewed scientific research and emerging discoveries across Earth and space sciences. With a background in astronomy and a passion for environmental science, I’ve worked in shark and coral conservation in Fiji, conducting reef and shark-behavior research, contributing to mangrove restoration, and earning PADI Open Water and Coral Reef Certifications. I bring a blend of scientific rigor and storytelling to illuminate the discoveries shaping our planet and beyond.

This author does not have any more posts.