Dozens Dead in Philippines Landslide Triggered by Typhoon Mangkhut

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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