THE MANILA MUDSLIDE

An exceptionally powerful monsoon sweeps west across the Pacific Ocean, bringing death and destruction to many parts of Southeast Asia. Manila, the capital city of the Philippines is mercilessly pounded with the heaviest rainfall in twenty-five years.

In the Cherry Hills area in Antipolo, on the outskirts of Manila, the torrential rain eats away at the entire hillside, already unstable from deforestation and overcrowding. The slope gives way. A black tide sweeps down, taking with it countless homes and residents. 

Rescuers quickly arrive at the disaster scene. They can hear voices and tapping coming from under the debris. Desperately, they work through the night trying to locate survivors. But there are few, and by morning, most of the noises have stopped. More than 30 people are dead or missing as the torrent of mud engulfs the Cherry Hills area.

THE MANILA MUDSLIDE

TNV recently flew to the Philippines to shoot the dramatic re-enactment of the Manila Mudslides.

Over 3 days Top Notch Crews interviewed the survivors who told how they managed to stay alive in the rubble. Some physically trapped, all in total darkness. 

With the full co-operation of the Philippine Army & rescue agencies, Top Notch Video crews spent 18 hours a day on location to capture the aftermath of this natural disaster. Doubles were used for the re-enactments due to the emotional strains placed on the real victims.

Format used: Betacam SP
Audio: Sony Wireless Radio, Lapel/Boom
Tape: Maxell
Lighting: Lowel.

The Manila Mudslide was shot for the International Discovery Channel.