At least 1 dead, over 30 missing in China landslides

By Mahmut Atanur

BEIJING

Chinese authorities confirmed Thursday that at least one person had died while more tan 30 others remain missing after landslides hit two villages in China’s eastern Zhejiang province following torrential rains related to Typhoon Megi.

State news agency Xinhua reported that 27 residents were reported missing in Sucun village of Suichang County -- where the body of a woman victim was recovered - after a landslide swept away houses and buildings Wednesday evening.

Another six people were later reported missing in Baofeng village of Wencheng County.

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.

Rescuers pulled around 13 people out of the debris in Sucun, where more than 1,460 residents were evacuated amid fears of smaller landslides. Rocks rolling down mountainous slopes have resulted in landslide dams along rivers.

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.

By Mahmut Atanur

BEIJING

Another six people were later reported missing in Baofeng village of Wencheng County.

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.

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.