Death toll from Philippines landslide rises to 46

By Adem Salvarcioglu

ANKARA

The death toll from a landslide in northern Philippines has risen to 46, local media reported Wednesday.

The landslide occurred Saturday as an aftermath of Typhoon Mangkhut in a goldmine in Benguet province’s Itogon town, according to Rappler, a Philippine-based online news portal.

Authorities fear the death toll to rise further as more people are thought to be trapped under the soil.

Rescuers are trying to reach the missing miners.

Meanwhile, the Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte urged rescuers to halt efforts as the goldmines in the area are not safe.

It is likely that the Typhoon Mangkhut -- which hit the north of the country on early Saturday and left late Sunday -- caused the landslide.