The search and retrieval of hundreds of people missing in the super typhoon Durian, which hit central Philippines at the end of last month, have been abandoned, said Philippine officials Friday.

At least 650 people are still missing after mudslide buried some villages near the Mount Mayon volcano in Albay province, central Philippines, and the chances of finding them alive are next to zero, said Victor Boco, Bicol police director and Regional Disaster Coordinating Council chairman.

More than 500 other people were confirmed dead in the disaster, according to official statistics.

Super typhoon Durian battered Albay, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes and Sorsogon provinces in central Philippines on Nov. 30.

"There is no more hope of recovering these people living in 13 villages that were buried and swept by rampaging floodwaters and lahar coming from the slopes of Mayon volcano during the height of the typhoon," he said. "The termination of the search, disaster authorities can focus their efforts in the relief and rehabilitation operation."

The Philippine News Agency said some 40 members of the leftwing militant Bayan Muna (people's first) movement have been killed by lahar in a safehouse when mudslide caused by super typhoon Durian hit a village.

Military rescuers also said there were rounds of mortar and hand grenade recovered from the house owned by a Bayan Muna leader.

Source: Xinhua