The Tragic Cherry Hills Subdivision Landslide (1999) | PH Murder Stories

Summary

The pH Murder Stories podcast delves into the tragic 1999 Cherry Hill subdivision landslide in the Philippines, caused by Typhoon Olga. The disaster killed 60, buried 378 houses, and displaced thousands. The episode explores the finger-pointing between residents and developers over substandard construction and inadequate responses to early warning signs. It also discusses the legal aftermath, including arrests and compensation orders, and the changes in regulations that followed to prevent such tragedies.

Takeaways

• 🚨 The podcast 'pH Murder Stories' provides a warning about the potentially disturbing content related to violent crimes and encourages listeners to prioritize their safety and well-being.
• 🌪️ Typhoon Olga caused devastating landslides in the Korean Peninsula, particularly in the Cherry Hill subdivision in Antipolo City, Rizal, resulting in 60 deaths and the destruction of 300 homes.
• 🏠 The Cherry Hill subdivision was built with substandard materials and had a history of fissures that were ignored by the developers, leading to a catastrophic landslide during the typhoon.
• 🛠️ The aftermath of the disaster revealed a lack of proper geological surveys and the absence of a requirement for developers to conduct such assessments before construction.
• 🏗️ The Philippine Japan Solidarity Corporation, responsible for the Cherry Hill subdivision, was charged with violating the subdivision and condominium buyers protective decree after the tragedy.
• 💰 The court ordered the developer to compensate for damages and reimburse residents, but the company appealed the decision, blaming the heavy rains instead of their construction practices.
• 🔍 Geologists disputed the developer's claims, stating that geological characteristics of the area made it vulnerable to landslides, and that heavy rains were not the sole cause of the disaster.
• 📊 The tragedy led to changes in regulations, with the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources requiring geological hazard assessments for housing and infrastructure projects.
• 🏆 The podcast invites listeners to support the show through Patreon or by giving a five-star rating on Spotify, emphasizing the team's passion for providing true crime content.
• 🌐 The podcast encourages listeners to follow them on various social media platforms for updates and to subscribe to their YouTube channel for more content.
• 📢 The podcast clarifies that the views and opinions expressed are not necessarily the official policy of the network and are the personal opinions of the creators, hosts, and guests.

Q & A

What is the pH murder stories podcast about?

The pH murder stories podcast covers true accounts of infamous killings and true crime stories from the Philippines, including shocking, sad, and deeply researched narratives.

What is the content warning provided at the beginning of the podcast episode?

The content warning mentions that the episode may include discussions around sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, physical violence, or other disturbing subject matters that may be difficult for some listeners.

How many lives were reportedly taken by the deadly typhoon in North and South Korea?

More than 160 lives were reportedly taken by the deadly typhoon in North and South Korea.

What was the cost of the damages caused by the typhoon in the Korean Peninsula?

The damages caused by the typhoon in the Korean Peninsula amounted to 657 million dollars.

What was the tragic incident at the Cherry Hill subdivision in Antipolo City, Rizal?

The tragic incident at the Cherry Hill subdivision involved a catastrophic landslide that destroyed 300 homes, took 60 lives, and displaced thousands of people.

What was the main cause of the Cherry Hill subdivision landslide according to the developers?

The developers claimed that the heavy rains from Typhoon Olga were the main cause of the landslide, as the volume of water caused enough pressure to collapse the subdivision.

What were the geological characteristics that made the Cherry Hill subdivision vulnerable to landslides?

The Cherry Hill subdivision was built on a rock bed consisting of alternating porous and impervious rocks with a significant amount of clays that are prone to swelling when drenched with water, making the area vulnerable to landslides.

What was the legal outcome for the Philippine Japan Solidarity Corporation after the Cherry Hill subdivision landslide?

In September 2001, a local court ordered the arrest of three officials of the Philippine Japan Solidarity Corporation for violating the subdivision and condominium buyers protective decree. They were charged but immediately posted bail.

What changes were made in the aftermath of the Cherry Hill subdivision landslide to prevent similar incidents?

A year after the landslide, the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources issued an administrative order requiring developers of housing projects to conduct an engineering geological hazard assessment before obtaining an environmental clearance certificate.

What was the initial reaction of the Philippine Japan Solidarity Corporation regarding the Cherry Hill subdivision disaster?

The company appealed the decision to compensate for damages and instead blamed the heavy rains as the real culprit behind the tragic incident.

How did the residents and developers of the Cherry Hill subdivision respond to the disaster?

Residents accused the developers of using substandard materials, while the developers insisted that the residents' renovations caused the fissures that emerged during the heavy rains.