Dozens Dead in Philippines Landslide Triggered by Typhoon Mangkhut

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.

An estimated 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