Mindanao landslides
The second disaster in as many weeks has struck the Philippines island of Mindanao. A remote mountain community of unauthorised gold prospectors near to Pantukan has been struck by a landslide that has swept away the entire village. Heavy equipment is on its way but in the meantime the rescue attempt is being undertaken by hand. At least 150 are missing and the death toll has already reached 25.
The area has long been a magnet for gold hunters and despite being cleared in April 2010 following the previous disaster, prospectors returned almost immediately. Mine working over the years has left the hillside unstable and highly dangerous.