At least 7 dead, over 20 missing in China landslides

By Mahmut Atanur

BEIJING

The death toll from landslides that hit two eastern Chinese villages following torrential rains related to Typhoon Megi has risen to seven while more than 25 other people remain missing.

The state-run China Daily reported Friday that the bodies of a 6-year-old child and a 60-year-old woman were among those recovered in Sucun village of Suichang County, Zhejiang province.

A total of 15 residents have been rescued but over 20 others remain missing after a landslide swept away houses and buildings Wednesday evening.

Another six people were also reported missing in another landslide-hit village, Baofeng in Wencheng County.

Around 315,000 people in Zhejiang have been evacuated due to the typhoon.

Zhou Ruichen, a Suichang County official, was quoted as saying that around 400,000 cubic meters "of debris slid down the mountains and buried 20 households".

"Seventeen homes were also flooded. A township cadre who rushed to help relocate villagers is among the missing," Zhou added.

In Sucun, more than 1,460 residents were evacuated amid fears of smaller landslides. Rocks rolling down mountainous slopes have resulted in landslide dams along rivers.

State media reported that one resident of Sucun, a woman over 70 years in age named Wang Zhuhuang, kept crying as a doctor attempted to comfort her.

"All of a sudden, three of my family were nowhere to be seen," she said, referring to her missing son, daughter-in-law and great granddaughter.

Typhoon Megi struck the east of the mainland after leaving four people dead and more than 500 others injured in Taiwan.

Earlier this month, another typhoon -- Meranti -- left around 30 people dead and 15 missing in China and Taiwan.