china-landslide:-more-than-30-missing-in-sichuan-with-‘all-out-rescue’-launched-–-bbc.com

China landslide: More than 30 missing in Sichuan with ‘all out rescue’ launched – BBC.com

At least 30 missing after China landslide

Laura Bicker

China Correspondent

BBC Map: A map showing the country of China. Within the borders of China, Sichuan province in the central southwest is highlightedBBC

At least 30 people have been reported missing after a landslide in south-western China, according to Chinese state media.

The landslide struck Jinping village in Sichuan province at 11:50 local time (03:50 GMT) burying 10 houses and trapping several residents. Two people were rescued.

A command centre has been set up at the scene according to a statement by the county’s emergency management bureau.

China’s President Xi Jinping has ordered an “all-out” rescue of those trapped.

Hundreds of emergency workers are searching for survivors, according to a statement from China’s Ministry of Emergency Management.

President Xi has ordered authorities to do “everything possible to search and rescue missing people, minimise casualties and properly handle the aftermath”, according to the official Xinhua state news agency.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang asked for an investigation and inspection of potential geological hazard risks in nearby areas.

Li also said residents who were under threat should be evacuated to prevent another disaster, the AP news agency reports, citing Xinhua.

Fifty million yuan ($6.9m; £5.5m) has been allocated from central government funds to repair infrastructure and public services, AP adds.