On the night of August 2, 1999, a massive landslide occurred in Cherry Hills subdivision in Antipolo City, Rizal province, Philippines that caused widespread damage and loss of life. The landslide was primarily caused by the heavy rains of the approaching typhoon Olga. The subdivision became a death trap when its foundations filled with water and the whole complex slid down the hill on which it was built.
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Cherry Hills subdivision was home to hundreds of families paying-off low cost, concrete houses. The subdivision was owned and developed by Tirso Santillan, president of Philjas Corporation. The subdivision was located in barangay San Luis, Antipolo City, Rizal and was situated in an elevated terrain cut along the perches of the Sierra Madre mountains.
Besides its location on the mountain cuts, Cherry Hill was flanked by two subdivision on its either sides.The eastern summit is at elevation of 255 meters while the western side is at elevation of 233 meters. The subdivision cut from the mountain side is approximately 26 meters at its deepest.
The subdivision encompasses five hectares with paved roads.
Before the landslide occurred, several of its residents evacuated to the nearest other town because their houses began to manifest cracks on the wall. Tell-tale signs about a possible impending slide was rumored, and ominous signs of changes in elevation and ground movements have been observed.
At around 8:00 pm, on August 2, 1999, the landslide occurred,