(Eagle News)–At least 33 people were confirmed dead after a landslide buried a makeshift chapel and evacuation center in Itogon, Benguet due to “Ompong” on Saturday, Sept. 15.
In a radio interview, Itogon Mayor Victorio Palangdan said of those killed after a portion of the national highway — the Baguio-Itogon-San Manuel National Highway — fell on the structures, 28 have already been identified.
Another 29 have been declared missing, while seven others were reported injured.
He added the number of fatalities could rise as authorities continue to conduct rescue operations.
“Ompong” made landfall in northern Luzon early Saturday, causing heavy rains, flooding, flash floods and landslides, among others.
The Philippine National Police said that as of 6 a.m., 59 were reported dead.
It was still unclear if the figure included fatalities in the Itogon landslide.
“Ompong” exited PAR on Saturday night.