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Philippine policeman: Villagers refused advice to flee storm

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Philippine policeman: Villagers refused advice to flee storm
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Philippine policeman: Villagers refused advice to flee storm

2018-09-18 17:17 Last Updated At：17:31

A Philippine police officer says he tried to persuade residents of a mining camp to move to safety as a powerful typhoon approached, but they appeared unconcerned and refused to leave a day before the storm triggered a huge landslide that buried dozens of people.

Police Senior Inspector Heherson Zambale said in an interview Tuesday that he was shocked to later learn that a landslide had covered a chapel and bunkhouses in the mountain village in Itogon town, where he and other officials had met the victims a day before the storm hit Saturday.

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Rescuers continue search operations at the site where victims are believed to have been buried by a landslide triggered by Typhoon Mangkhut as it lashed across Itogon, Benguet province, northern Philippines, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. Philippine mayor said that it's unlikely any of the dozens of people thought buried in a huge landslide will be found alive, though rescuers were still digging through the massive mound of mud and debris covering a chapel where they had sheltered. (AP PhotoAaron Favila)

A Philippine police officer says he tried to persuade residents of a mining camp to move to safety as a powerful typhoon approached, but they appeared unconcerned and refused to leave a day before the storm triggered a huge landslide that buried dozens of people.
Police Senior Inspector Heherson Zambale walks at the site where victims are believed to be buried in a landslide set off by Typhoon Mangkhut as it lashed across Itogon, Benguet province, northern Philippines, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. Dozens of people believed buried in the landslide probably did not survive, the mayor of Itogon said Monday, although rescuers kept digging through mud and debris covering a chapel where they had taken shelter. (AP PhotoAaron Favila)

Rescuers have recovered 14 bodies from the avalanche and at least 58 others remain missing.
A rescue dog searches for victims believed to be buried in a landslide set off by Typhoon Mangkhut as it lashed across Itogon, Benguet province, the northern Philippines on Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. A Philippine mayor said that it's unlikely any of the dozens of people thought buried in a huge landslide will be found alive, though rescuers were still digging through the massive mound of mud and debris covering a chapel where they had sheltered. (AP PhotoAaron Favila)

A rescue dog searches for victims believed to be buried in a landslide set off by Typhoon Mangkhut as it lashed across Itogon, Benguet province, the northern Philippines on Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. A Philippine mayor said that it's unlikely any of the dozens of people thought buried in a huge landslide will be found alive, though rescuers were still digging through the massive mound of mud and debris covering a chapel where they had sheltered. (AP PhotoAaron Favila)
A woman waits for news of her missing relative near the site where victims are believed to have been buried by a landslide triggered by Typhoon Mangkhut as it lashed across Itogon, Benguet province, northern Philippines, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. Philippine mayor said that it's unlikely any of the dozens of people thought buried in a huge landslide will be found alive, though rescuers were still digging through the massive mound of mud and debris covering a chapel where they had sheltered. (AP PhotoAaron Favila)

A woman waits for news of her missing relative near the site where victims are believed to have been buried by a landslide triggered by Typhoon Mangkhut as it lashed across Itogon, Benguet province, northern Philippines, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. Philippine mayor said that it's unlikely any of the dozens of people thought buried in a huge landslide will be found alive, though rescuers were still digging through the massive mound of mud and debris covering a chapel where they had sheltered. (AP PhotoAaron Favila)
Rescuers carry a body they recovered at the site where victims are believed to be buried in a landslide set off by Typhoon Mangkhut as it lashed across Itogon, Benguet province, northern Philippines, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. Dozens of people believed buried in the landslide probably did not survive, the mayor of Itogon said Monday, although rescuers kept digging through mud and debris covering a chapel where they had taken shelter. (AP PhotoAaron Favila)

Rescuers carry a body they recovered at the site where victims are believed to be buried in a landslide set off by Typhoon Mangkhut as it lashed across Itogon, Benguet province, northern Philippines, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. Dozens of people believed buried in the landslide probably did not survive, the mayor of Itogon said Monday, although rescuers kept digging through mud and debris covering a chapel where they had taken shelter. (AP PhotoAaron Favila)
A Filipino miner carries remains of structures at the site where victims are believed to be buried in a landslide set off by Typhoon Mangkhut as it lashed across Itogon, Benguet province, northern Philippines, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. Dozens of people believed buried in the landslide probably did not survive, the mayor of Itogon said Monday, although rescuers kept digging through mud and debris covering a chapel where they had taken shelter. (AP PhotoAaron Favila)

A Filipino miner carries remains of structures at the site where victims are believed to be buried in a landslide set off by Typhoon Mangkhut as it lashed across Itogon, Benguet province, northern Philippines, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. Dozens of people believed buried in the landslide probably did not survive, the mayor of Itogon said Monday, although rescuers kept digging through mud and debris covering a chapel where they had taken shelter. (AP PhotoAaron Favila)
Rescuers carry a body they recovered at the site where victims are believed to have been buried by a landslide triggered by Typhoon Mangkhut as it lashed across Itogon, Benguet province, northern Philippines, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. Philippine mayor said that it's unlikely any of the dozens of people thought buried in a huge landslide will be found alive, though rescuers were still digging through the massive mound of mud and debris covering a chapel where they had sheltered. (AP PhotoAaron Favila)

Rescuers carry a body they recovered at the site where victims are believed to have been buried by a landslide triggered by Typhoon Mangkhut as it lashed across Itogon, Benguet province, northern Philippines, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. Philippine mayor said that it's unlikely any of the dozens of people thought buried in a huge landslide will be found alive, though rescuers were still digging through the massive mound of mud and debris covering a chapel where they had sheltered. (AP PhotoAaron Favila)
Filipino miners take a rest as search operations continue at the site where victims are believed to be buried in a landslide set off by Typhoon Mangkhut as it lashed across Itogon, Benguet province, northern Philippines, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. Dozens of people believed buried in the landslide probably did not survive, the mayor of Itogon said Monday, although rescuers kept digging through mud and debris covering a chapel where they had taken shelter. (AP PhotoAaron Favila)

Filipino miners take a rest as search operations continue at the site where victims are believed to be buried in a landslide set off by Typhoon Mangkhut as it lashed across Itogon, Benguet province, northern Philippines, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. Dozens of people believed buried in the landslide probably did not survive, the mayor of Itogon said Monday, although rescuers kept digging through mud and debris covering a chapel where they had taken shelter. (AP PhotoAaron Favila)
Rescuers retrieve a body from the site where victims are believed to be buried in a landslide set off by Typhoon Mangkhut as it lashed across Itogon, Benguet province, northern Philippines, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. Dozens of people believed buried in the landslide probably did not survive, the mayor of Itogon said Monday, although rescuers kept digging through mud and debris covering a chapel where they had taken shelter. (AP PhotoAaron Favila)

Rescuers retrieve a body from the site where victims are believed to be buried in a landslide set off by Typhoon Mangkhut as it lashed across Itogon, Benguet province, northern Philippines, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. Dozens of people believed buried in the landslide probably did not survive, the mayor of Itogon said Monday, although rescuers kept digging through mud and debris covering a chapel where they had taken shelter. (AP PhotoAaron Favila)
Rescuers carry a body they retrieved at the site where victims are believed to be buried in a landslide set off by Typhoon Mangkhut as it lashed across Itogon, Benguet province, northern Philippines, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. Dozens of people believed buried in the landslide probably did not survive, the mayor of Itogon said Monday, although rescuers kept digging through mud and debris covering a chapel where they had taken shelter. (AP PhotoAaron Favila)

Rescuers carry a body they retrieved at the site where victims are believed to be buried in a landslide set off by Typhoon Mangkhut as it lashed across Itogon, Benguet province, northern Philippines, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. Dozens of people believed buried in the landslide probably did not survive, the mayor of Itogon said Monday, although rescuers kept digging through mud and debris covering a chapel where they had taken shelter. (AP PhotoAaron Favila)
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Rescuers continue search operations at the site where victims are believed to have been buried by a landslide triggered by Typhoon Mangkhut as it lashed across Itogon, Benguet province, northern Philippines, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. Philippine mayor said that it's unlikely any of the dozens of people thought buried in a huge landslide will be found alive, though rescuers were still digging through the massive mound of mud and debris covering a chapel where they had sheltered. (AP PhotoAaron Favila)

A Philippine police officer says he tried to persuade residents of a mining camp to move to safety as a powerful typhoon approached, but they appeared unconcerned and refused to leave a day before the storm triggered a huge landslide that buried dozens of people.

Police Senior Inspector Heherson Zambale walks at the site where victims are believed to be buried in a landslide set off by Typhoon Mangkhut as it lashed across Itogon, Benguet province, northern Philippines, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. Dozens of people believed buried in the landslide probably did not survive, the mayor of Itogon said Monday, although rescuers kept digging through mud and debris covering a chapel where they had taken shelter. (AP PhotoAaron Favila)

Rescuers have recovered 14 bodies from the avalanche and at least 58 others remain missing.

A rescue dog searches for victims believed to be buried in a landslide set off by Typhoon Mangkhut as it lashed across Itogon, Benguet province, the northern Philippines on Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. A Philippine mayor said that it's unlikely any of the dozens of people thought buried in a huge landslide will be found alive, though rescuers were still digging through the massive mound of mud and debris covering a chapel where they had sheltered. (AP PhotoAaron Favila)

A rescue dog searches for victims believed to be buried in a landslide set off by Typhoon Mangkhut as it lashed across Itogon, Benguet province, the northern Philippines on Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. A Philippine mayor said that it's unlikely any of the dozens of people thought buried in a huge landslide will be found alive, though rescuers were still digging through the massive mound of mud and debris covering a chapel where they had sheltered. (AP PhotoAaron Favila)

A woman waits for news of her missing relative near the site where victims are believed to have been buried by a landslide triggered by Typhoon Mangkhut as it lashed across Itogon, Benguet province, northern Philippines, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. Philippine mayor said that it's unlikely any of the dozens of people thought buried in a huge landslide will be found alive, though rescuers were still digging through the massive mound of mud and debris covering a chapel where they had sheltered. (AP PhotoAaron Favila)

A woman waits for news of her missing relative near the site where victims are believed to have been buried by a landslide triggered by Typhoon Mangkhut as it lashed across Itogon, Benguet province, northern Philippines, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. Philippine mayor said that it's unlikely any of the dozens of people thought buried in a huge landslide will be found alive, though rescuers were still digging through the massive mound of mud and debris covering a chapel where they had sheltered. (AP PhotoAaron Favila)

Rescuers carry a body they recovered at the site where victims are believed to be buried in a landslide set off by Typhoon Mangkhut as it lashed across Itogon, Benguet province, northern Philippines, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. Dozens of people believed buried in the landslide probably did not survive, the mayor of Itogon said Monday, although rescuers kept digging through mud and debris covering a chapel where they had taken shelter. (AP PhotoAaron Favila)

Rescuers carry a body they recovered at the site where victims are believed to be buried in a landslide set off by Typhoon Mangkhut as it lashed across Itogon, Benguet province, northern Philippines, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. Dozens of people believed buried in the landslide probably did not survive, the mayor of Itogon said Monday, although rescuers kept digging through mud and debris covering a chapel where they had taken shelter. (AP PhotoAaron Favila)

A Filipino miner carries remains of structures at the site where victims are believed to be buried in a landslide set off by Typhoon Mangkhut as it lashed across Itogon, Benguet province, northern Philippines, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. Dozens of people believed buried in the landslide probably did not survive, the mayor of Itogon said Monday, although rescuers kept digging through mud and debris covering a chapel where they had taken shelter. (AP PhotoAaron Favila)

A Filipino miner carries remains of structures at the site where victims are believed to be buried in a landslide set off by Typhoon Mangkhut as it lashed across Itogon, Benguet province, northern Philippines, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. Dozens of people believed buried in the landslide probably did not survive, the mayor of Itogon said Monday, although rescuers kept digging through mud and debris covering a chapel where they had taken shelter. (AP PhotoAaron Favila)

Rescuers carry a body they recovered at the site where victims are believed to have been buried by a landslide triggered by Typhoon Mangkhut as it lashed across Itogon, Benguet province, northern Philippines, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. Philippine mayor said that it's unlikely any of the dozens of people thought buried in a huge landslide will be found alive, though rescuers were still digging through the massive mound of mud and debris covering a chapel where they had sheltered. (AP PhotoAaron Favila)

Rescuers carry a body they recovered at the site where victims are believed to have been buried by a landslide triggered by Typhoon Mangkhut as it lashed across Itogon, Benguet province, northern Philippines, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. Philippine mayor said that it's unlikely any of the dozens of people thought buried in a huge landslide will be found alive, though rescuers were still digging through the massive mound of mud and debris covering a chapel where they had sheltered. (AP PhotoAaron Favila)

Filipino miners take a rest as search operations continue at the site where victims are believed to be buried in a landslide set off by Typhoon Mangkhut as it lashed across Itogon, Benguet province, northern Philippines, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. Dozens of people believed buried in the landslide probably did not survive, the mayor of Itogon said Monday, although rescuers kept digging through mud and debris covering a chapel where they had taken shelter. (AP PhotoAaron Favila)

Filipino miners take a rest as search operations continue at the site where victims are believed to be buried in a landslide set off by Typhoon Mangkhut as it lashed across Itogon, Benguet province, northern Philippines, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. Dozens of people believed buried in the landslide probably did not survive, the mayor of Itogon said Monday, although rescuers kept digging through mud and debris covering a chapel where they had taken shelter. (AP PhotoAaron Favila)

Rescuers retrieve a body from the site where victims are believed to be buried in a landslide set off by Typhoon Mangkhut as it lashed across Itogon, Benguet province, northern Philippines, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. Dozens of people believed buried in the landslide probably did not survive, the mayor of Itogon said Monday, although rescuers kept digging through mud and debris covering a chapel where they had taken shelter. (AP PhotoAaron Favila)

Rescuers retrieve a body from the site where victims are believed to be buried in a landslide set off by Typhoon Mangkhut as it lashed across Itogon, Benguet province, northern Philippines, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. Dozens of people believed buried in the landslide probably did not survive, the mayor of Itogon said Monday, although rescuers kept digging through mud and debris covering a chapel where they had taken shelter. (AP PhotoAaron Favila)

Rescuers carry a body they retrieved at the site where victims are believed to be buried in a landslide set off by Typhoon Mangkhut as it lashed across Itogon, Benguet province, northern Philippines, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. Dozens of people believed buried in the landslide probably did not survive, the mayor of Itogon said Monday, although rescuers kept digging through mud and debris covering a chapel where they had taken shelter. (AP PhotoAaron Favila)

Rescuers carry a body they retrieved at the site where victims are believed to be buried in a landslide set off by Typhoon Mangkhut as it lashed across Itogon, Benguet province, northern Philippines, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. Dozens of people believed buried in the landslide probably did not survive, the mayor of Itogon said Monday, although rescuers kept digging through mud and debris covering a chapel where they had taken shelter. (AP PhotoAaron Favila)

Zambale said the residents insisted they would be safe and that they would remain unless the storm became severe.

Rescuers continue search operations at the site where victims are believed to have been buried by a landslide triggered by Typhoon Mangkhut as it lashed across Itogon, Benguet province, northern Philippines, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. Philippine mayor said that it's unlikely any of the dozens of people thought buried in a huge landslide will be found alive, though rescuers were still digging through the massive mound of mud and debris covering a chapel where they had sheltered. (AP PhotoAaron Favila)

Rescuers continue search operations at the site where victims are believed to have been buried by a landslide triggered by Typhoon Mangkhut as it lashed across Itogon, Benguet province, northern Philippines, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. Philippine mayor said that it's unlikely any of the dozens of people thought buried in a huge landslide will be found alive, though rescuers were still digging through the massive mound of mud and debris covering a chapel where they had sheltered. (AP PhotoAaron Favila)

Rescuers have recovered 14 bodies from the avalanche and at least 58 others remain missing.

Police Senior Inspector Heherson Zambale walks at the site where victims are believed to be buried in a landslide set off by Typhoon Mangkhut as it lashed across Itogon, Benguet province, northern Philippines, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. Dozens of people believed buried in the landslide probably did not survive, the mayor of Itogon said Monday, although rescuers kept digging through mud and debris covering a chapel where they had taken shelter. (AP PhotoAaron Favila)

Police Senior Inspector Heherson Zambale walks at the site where victims are believed to be buried in a landslide set off by Typhoon Mangkhut as it lashed across Itogon, Benguet province, northern Philippines, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. Dozens of people believed buried in the landslide probably did not survive, the mayor of Itogon said Monday, although rescuers kept digging through mud and debris covering a chapel where they had taken shelter. (AP PhotoAaron Favila)
A rescue dog searches for victims believed to be buried in a landslide set off by Typhoon Mangkhut as it lashed across Itogon, Benguet province, the northern Philippines on Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. A Philippine mayor said that it's unlikely any of the dozens of people thought buried in a huge landslide will be found alive, though rescuers were still digging through the massive mound of mud and debris covering a chapel where they had sheltered. (AP PhotoAaron Favila)

A rescue dog searches for victims believed to be buried in a landslide set off by Typhoon Mangkhut as it lashed across Itogon, Benguet province, the northern Philippines on Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. A Philippine mayor said that it's unlikely any of the dozens of people thought buried in a huge landslide will be found alive, though rescuers were still digging through the massive mound of mud and debris covering a chapel where they had sheltered. (AP PhotoAaron Favila)

 A woman waits for news of her missing relative near the site where victims are believed to have been buried by a landslide triggered by Typhoon Mangkhut as it lashed across Itogon, Benguet province, northern Philippines, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. Philippine mayor said that it's unlikely any of the dozens of people thought buried in a huge landslide will be found alive, though rescuers were still digging through the massive mound of mud and debris covering a chapel where they had sheltered. (AP PhotoAaron Favila)

A woman waits for news of her missing relative near the site where victims are believed to have been buried by a landslide triggered by Typhoon Mangkhut as it lashed across Itogon, Benguet province, northern Philippines, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. Philippine mayor said that it's unlikely any of the dozens of people thought buried in a huge landslide will be found alive, though rescuers were still digging through the massive mound of mud and debris covering a chapel where they had sheltered. (AP PhotoAaron Favila)

 Rescuers carry a body they recovered at the site where victims are believed to be buried in a landslide set off by Typhoon Mangkhut as it lashed across Itogon, Benguet province, northern Philippines, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. Dozens of people believed buried in the landslide probably did not survive, the mayor of Itogon said Monday, although rescuers kept digging through mud and debris covering a chapel where they had taken shelter. (AP PhotoAaron Favila)

Rescuers carry a body they recovered at the site where victims are believed to be buried in a landslide set off by Typhoon Mangkhut as it lashed across Itogon, Benguet province, northern Philippines, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. Dozens of people believed buried in the landslide probably did not survive, the mayor of Itogon said Monday, although rescuers kept digging through mud and debris covering a chapel where they had taken shelter. (AP PhotoAaron Favila)

 A Filipino miner carries remains of structures at the site where victims are believed to be buried in a landslide set off by Typhoon Mangkhut as it lashed across Itogon, Benguet province, northern Philippines, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. Dozens of people believed buried in the landslide probably did not survive, the mayor of Itogon said Monday, although rescuers kept digging through mud and debris covering a chapel where they had taken shelter. (AP PhotoAaron Favila)

A Filipino miner carries remains of structures at the site where victims are believed to be buried in a landslide set off by Typhoon Mangkhut as it lashed across Itogon, Benguet province, northern Philippines, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. Dozens of people believed buried in the landslide probably did not survive, the mayor of Itogon said Monday, although rescuers kept digging through mud and debris covering a chapel where they had taken shelter. (AP PhotoAaron Favila)
Rescuers carry a body they recovered at the site where victims are believed to have been buried by a landslide triggered by Typhoon Mangkhut as it lashed across Itogon, Benguet province, northern Philippines, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. Philippine mayor said that it's unlikely any of the dozens of people thought buried in a huge landslide will be found alive, though rescuers were still digging through the massive mound of mud and debris covering a chapel where they had sheltered. (AP PhotoAaron Favila)

Rescuers carry a body they recovered at the site where victims are believed to have been buried by a landslide triggered by Typhoon Mangkhut as it lashed across Itogon, Benguet province, northern Philippines, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. Philippine mayor said that it's unlikely any of the dozens of people thought buried in a huge landslide will be found alive, though rescuers were still digging through the massive mound of mud and debris covering a chapel where they had sheltered. (AP PhotoAaron Favila)

 Filipino miners take a rest as search operations continue at the site where victims are believed to be buried in a landslide set off by Typhoon Mangkhut as it lashed across Itogon, Benguet province, northern Philippines, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. Dozens of people believed buried in the landslide probably did not survive, the mayor of Itogon said Monday, although rescuers kept digging through mud and debris covering a chapel where they had taken shelter. (AP PhotoAaron Favila)

Filipino miners take a rest as search operations continue at the site where victims are believed to be buried in a landslide set off by Typhoon Mangkhut as it lashed across Itogon, Benguet province, northern Philippines, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. Dozens of people believed buried in the landslide probably did not survive, the mayor of Itogon said Monday, although rescuers kept digging through mud and debris covering a chapel where they had taken shelter. (AP PhotoAaron Favila)

 Rescuers retrieve a body from the site where victims are believed to be buried in a landslide set off by Typhoon Mangkhut as it lashed across Itogon, Benguet province, northern Philippines, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. Dozens of people believed buried in the landslide probably did not survive, the mayor of Itogon said Monday, although rescuers kept digging through mud and debris covering a chapel where they had taken shelter. (AP PhotoAaron Favila)

Rescuers retrieve a body from the site where victims are believed to be buried in a landslide set off by Typhoon Mangkhut as it lashed across Itogon, Benguet province, northern Philippines, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. Dozens of people believed buried in the landslide probably did not survive, the mayor of Itogon said Monday, although rescuers kept digging through mud and debris covering a chapel where they had taken shelter. (AP PhotoAaron Favila)

 Rescuers carry a body they retrieved at the site where victims are believed to be buried in a landslide set off by Typhoon Mangkhut as it lashed across Itogon, Benguet province, northern Philippines, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. Dozens of people believed buried in the landslide probably did not survive, the mayor of Itogon said Monday, although rescuers kept digging through mud and debris covering a chapel where they had taken shelter. (AP PhotoAaron Favila)

Rescuers carry a body they retrieved at the site where victims are believed to be buried in a landslide set off by Typhoon Mangkhut as it lashed across Itogon, Benguet province, northern Philippines, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. Dozens of people believed buried in the landslide probably did not survive, the mayor of Itogon said Monday, although rescuers kept digging through mud and debris covering a chapel where they had taken shelter. (AP PhotoAaron Favila)

DETROIT (AP) — The Oakland Athletics no longer have to wonder where they'll play the next few seasons. That won't make the long goodbye any easier.

The A's reacted to the announcement that this will be their last year in Oakland with a mixture of sadness and relief.

“At least as a player, you know where you’re headed,” outfielder Seth Brown said Friday before a game against the Tigers in Detroit. “There’s obviously a lot of moving parts, a lot of stuff we’re not privy to, so it’s just been kind of a waiting game on our end. Where are we going to go? Where are we going to be? So I think just having that knowledge -- at least we know where we’re going to be playing next year.”

Vivek Ranadivé, who owns the Triple-A Sacramento River Cats, and Oakland Athletics owner John Fisher announced Thursday that the A’s will temporarily relocate to West Sacramento's Sutter Health Park for at least three seasons. The A's are moving to Las Vegas after a new ballpark is constructed.

The River Cats, who are affiliated with the San Francisco Giants, will continue to play at the same facility.

Fisher was unable to reach an agreement with Oakland city officials on extending the lease at Oakland Coliseum, which expires at the end of this season. The A's have played in the city since 1968.

“There's direction now, which we've talked a lot about,” Oakland A's manager Mark Kotsay said. “We've got time to kind of reflect on what this really means from an organizational standpoint, the history that we've had in Oakland, with this being now the final season. There's a lot of emotion that goes behind this.”

It will not only cause some upheaval for the players and staff but also members of the organization that work behind the scenes.

“At the end of the day, we know where we're going to be for the next three seasons after the finish this year and that in itself gives a little bit of stability,” Kotsay said. “At the same time, in the present, it's challenging in certain ways to think about the finality of this organization in Oakland.”

Sacramento will be a much smaller environment to house a major league team. Ranadivé said the River Cats venue currently seats 16,000 when counting the stands, the lawn behind center field and standing room only.

First baseman Ryan Noda is concerned with the facilities. He's hopeful that significant upgrades will be made, much like the Toronto Blue Jays did at Buffalo's Triple-A facility. The Blue Jays played at Buffalo's Sahlen Field in 2020 in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“New walls, new dugouts, new locker rooms — everything they needed to become a big league stadium,” said Noda, who played some games in Sacramento as a minor leaguer. “As long as we can do something like that, then it'll be all right. But it's definitely going to be different than playing in stadiums that hold 40,000 people.”

Kotsay is confident the upgrades will occur.

“I know it will be of major league baseball quality,” he said. “It's has to be of major league baseball quality. I know the Players Association will make sure that takes place, as they did in Buffalo.”

For the rest of this season, the A's will have to deal with small home crowds and disappointed fans.

“We’re sad for the fans, the diehard fans, who always come to our games, always support us, always support the boys wearing the jersey,” Noda said.

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Sacramento Kings owner Vivek Ranadive, center, shakes hands John Fisher, owner of the Oakland Athletics, before the start of a news conference where Fisher announced his team will leave Oakland after this season and play temporarily at a minor league park, during a news conference in West Sacramento, Calif., Thursday, April 4 2024.The A's announced the decision to play at the home of the Sacramento River Cats from 2025-27 with an option for 2028 on Thursday after being unable to reach an agreement to extend their lease in Oakland during that time. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)

Sacramento Kings owner Vivek Ranadive, center, shakes hands John Fisher, owner of the Oakland Athletics, before the start of a news conference where Fisher announced his team will leave Oakland after this season and play temporarily at a minor league park, during a news conference in West Sacramento, Calif., Thursday, April 4 2024.The A's announced the decision to play at the home of the Sacramento River Cats from 2025-27 with an option for 2028 on Thursday after being unable to reach an agreement to extend their lease in Oakland during that time. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)

 John Fisher, owner of the Oakland Athletics baseball team, announces that his team will leave Oakland after this season and play temporarily at a minor league park, during a news conference in West Sacramento, Calif., Thursday, April 4, 2024. The A's announced the decision to play at the home of the Sacramento River Cats from 2025-27 with an option for 2028 on Thursday after being unable to reach an agreement to extend their lease in Oakland during that time. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)

John Fisher, owner of the Oakland Athletics baseball team, announces that his team will leave Oakland after this season and play temporarily at a minor league park, during a news conference in West Sacramento, Calif., Thursday, April 4, 2024. The A's announced the decision to play at the home of the Sacramento River Cats from 2025-27 with an option for 2028 on Thursday after being unable to reach an agreement to extend their lease in Oakland during that time. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)

 Sutter Health Park, home of the Triple A team Sacramento River Cats, is shown in West Sacramento, Calif., Thursday, April 4, 2024. The Oakland Athletics announced the decision to play at the home of the Sacramento River Cats from 2025-27 with an option for 2028 on Thursday after being unable to reach an agreement to extend their lease in Oakland during that time. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)

Sutter Health Park, home of the Triple A team Sacramento River Cats, is shown in West Sacramento, Calif., Thursday, April 4, 2024. The Oakland Athletics announced the decision to play at the home of the Sacramento River Cats from 2025-27 with an option for 2028 on Thursday after being unable to reach an agreement to extend their lease in Oakland during that time. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)

 Oakland Athletics manager Mark Kotsay walks to the dugout after making a pitching change during the eighth inning of the team's baseball game against the Cleveland Guardians in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, March 31, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

Oakland Athletics manager Mark Kotsay walks to the dugout after making a pitching change during the eighth inning of the team's baseball game against the Cleveland Guardians in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, March 31, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)