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Three dead in Philippine landslide: military

At least three people were killed and several others believed to be missing after a landslide on a mountainous road in the Philippines on Monday, authorities said.

Updated on: Jul 5, 2011, 11:23:42 IST
AFP | By , Manila
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At least three people were killed and several others believed to be missing after a landslide on a mountainous road in the Philippines on Monday, authorities said.

HT Image
HT Image

Heavy rains caused the landslide on the undeveloped southern island of Mindanao, burying an unknown number of people, said local military commander Major Eugenio Osias.

"Five motorcycle vehicles with passengers were hit by the landslide. This caused the instant death of three people," Osias said.

He said military and civil defence personnel who rushed to the scene were digging with hand tools for the people who were believed to have been buried alive.

The landslide occurred on Monday morning, but by late afternoon there had been no reports of any other people being found in the rubble.

In the southern Philippines, motorcycles are often used overloaded with passengers. Modified motorcycles with extended rear benches can carry as many as five or six people.

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