Dozens of miners and their families were believed to be dead, authorities said on Monday, September 17, after Typhoon Mangkhut brought heavy rains and triggered a massive landslide in Itogon, in the Philippine province of Beguet on September 15.
Between 40 to 50 people were buried in the landslide that hit a chapel where they sought shelter from the typhoon.
Itogon Mayor Victorio Palangdan said on September 17 that there was a “99 percent [chance] that they really are all dead,”
As of Monday, 11 bodies had been recovered, Palangdan also said.
A total of 54 people were confirmed dead as the result of Mangkhut, known locally as Ompong, Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte’s spokesperson said Monday. Credit: IOM Philippines via Storyful