A landslide has buried dozens of homes near a central Philippine mountain, killing at least 21 people and sending rescuers scrambling to find survivors.

Key points:

• Dozens remain missing in Philippines disaster
• More than 100 landslides have struck in the wake of Typhoon Mangkhut
• Trapped victims sent text messages to loved ones begging to be rescued

The landslide surged down on about 30 houses in two rural villages after daybreak in Naga city in Cebu province, city police chief Roderick Gonzales said.

Seven injured villagers were rescued from the huge mound of earth and debris.

At least 64 people remained missing, Naga city Mayor Kristine Vanessa Chiong said.

"We're really hoping we can still recover them alive," she said.

Elderly women and a child were among the dead, Mr Gonzales said, adding that some victims managed to send messages after the landslide hit.

Nimrod Parba, a 26-year-old resident, said a relative trapped in a house beneath the rubble managed to call in the morning begging to be rescued.

The calls stopped, however, and the relative could not be reached hours later.