Two men killed as storm topples old mango trees onto homes in Catalunan Grande

Two men died and several of their relatives were hurt after strong winds and heavy rain felled century-old mango trees onto homes in Sitio San Miguel, Barangay Catalunan Grande, Davao City, on the night of Thursday, Oct. 29, according to Mindanao Times.

A spot report from the Talomo Police Station said Central 911 sent emergency responders at around 10:45 p.m. Talomo police and the Barangay Catalunan Grande Search and Urban Rescue Team found that two large mango trees had fallen onto a bunkhouse.

The first fatality, a 29-year-old security guard who lived in Ward 31, Apo Highlands, was pinned under the debris and died at the scene from head injuries, police said. Family members who were also injured were taken to the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) in Bajada for emergency care.

During follow-up checks at SPMC, investigators learned of a second death from nearby Purok 32. The victim, a 38-year-old water refilling delivery worker, was caught inside his house when large trees crashed onto it as his family tried to get out. His 23-year-old live-in partner told investigators that a sudden, powerful gust accompanied by heavy rain hit the area at around 8:30 p.m.

He suffered severe head trauma and was brought to SPMC by Central 911 Ambulance Medic 06, where doctors declared him dead at 12:09 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 30.

As of Friday morning, one body had been moved to Collado Funeral Homes in Bangkal, Talomo, while the other remained at the SPMC morgue. Police and barangay disaster teams are continuing safety inspections in the area.