Rain-induced landslide

Major mudslides have occurred in the Philippines, effectively submerging a village under thick mud. The death toll is still being assessed, but latest reports from the Philippine Red Cross, suggest that at least 200 people have lost their lives and as many as 2,000 are still missing. The landslides have occurred in Leyte Province, following torrential rain and flash flooding. However, while rainfall may have been the main CAUSE of the landslides, the TRIGGER may have been provided by a small earthquake according to Rene Solidum (Director of the Institute of Volcanology and Seismology in Manila). Other potential causes include logging (see report from New York Times).