Typhoon Mangkhut: 36 people feared buried in landslides in Philippines

philippines-mangkhut-reuters Rescuers search for people trapped in a landslide caused by Typhoon Mangkhut at a small-scale mining camp in Itogon, Benguet, in the Philippines | Reuters

At least 36 people are feared buried under thick mud in the Philippines after Typhoon Mangkhut triggered massive landslide in the country's north. Reports suggest hundreds of houses have been destroyed.

In the mining town of Itogon, in Benguet, at least 35 people have been reported dead. Rescue workers are looking for survivors in the town where families of minors are residing.

According to a report by the CNN, many of the victims were believed to have sought refuge in a church during the typhoon. "As of now, we are still looking for the 36 still missing individuals that are still unverified," Lt.Gen Emmanuel Salamat of the Philippines Armed Forces said. "They were advised to move out because that is a hazardous area during typhoons, it might kill them and it really happened," said Salamat.

Though 24 hours have passed since the typhoon hit Philippines, the full extent of damage has not been determined. Families who tried to return home found it in ruins. Only wooden framework of the homes remained as the most intense part of the storm hit the northern Cagayan province. Residents had been warned of a possible storm surge and flooding, and were urged to evacuate. But it was the wind that caused the most damage to homes and infrastructure here. Power and electricity are yet to be restored.