50,000 people evacuated from Philippine disaster zone

08/09/2008 01:16:35

Authorities in the southern Philippines have ordered the evacuation of 50,000 people following two landslides in a remote mining village that left 25 people dead or missing.

Villagers and soldiers are engaged in a desperate attempt to unearth a cluster of houses buried in thick mud and rocks in the Compostela Valley.

The provincial disaster rescue agency says the death toll has risen to nine, with 19 people injured.

Hopes of finding 16 people listed as missing are fading quickly.

It says at least 18 houses had been completely buried while dozens of others are damaged in the village of Masara.

Heavy monsoon rains over three days triggered two landslides and intermittent rains are hampering rescue operations.

Produced by Radio Australia and Australia Network