Churches and other faith-based relief agencies have mobilized to bring aid to disaster victims in the Philippines after the deadly February 17 landslide in that country, which engulfed hundreds of homes and left an estimated 1,800 people missing and feared dead. Officials say half a mountain came crashing down after two weeks of torrential rains, and hopes have faded quickly for finding survivors in the mud that is 30-feet deep in some places. The U.S. has sent two warships and a thousand marines to the Philippines to help in the aftermath of the massive landslide, assistance Filipino President Gloria Arroyo says is welcome. Nevertheless the international and local disaster responses are being coordinated cautiously, as there are fears that rescue workers could get trapped in the mud. The situation is so dangerous that a no-fly zone has been established over the disaster site due to fears that helicopter downdrafts could set off a fresh landslide.

[Allie Martin]