China landslide

Seventy-four people missing after landslide in Chongqing

Article published on the 2009-06-06 Latest update 2009-06-06 10:29 TU

Rescuers search for survivors in Jiwei mountain area
(Photo: Reuters)

Rescue efforts are continuing in the remote region of Jiwei in Wulong after a landslide covered houses and a mine with 3.5 million tonnes of mud and rock.

Seventy-four people are still missing after the landslide and Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Dejiang arrived at the site early on Saturday to supervise the rescue operation.

Eight people have been rescued, while three people have been seriously injured in the incident. They are receiving treatment at hospital.

Twenty-seven workers were in the mine at the time. And authorities are hopeful that they can be rescued from the debris. But those occupying the houses which were hit are less likely to have survived the falling debris.

About 500 rescue workers are involved in efforts to clear the rubble and dogs are been used to help find survivors.

An investigation into the disaster has been launched. Authorities are concerned that the landslide could cause flooding after it blocked a tributary of the Yangtze river.