Death toll in NW China landslide rises to 17

 

 

ZIZHOU, Shaanxi - The death toll of a landslide in northwest China's Shaanxi has risen to 17 by Thursday morning, as 11 others were still missing.

The landslide that occurred at 1:30 a.m. Wednesday buried 44 villagers in 15 homes in Zizhou County of Yulin City, said a spokesman with the county government.

Ten people suffering slight injuries have been taken to hospital, while six others escaped the accident, he said.

About 90,000 cubic meters of earth slipped down a hill side in Shuanghuyu Village, crushing 25 houses in the landslide. Rescue efforts are continuing. Relatives of the missing villagers are waiting anxiously at the site.