3 injured, 27 missing after landslide hits buildings in Shenzhen

(Xinhua) Updated: 2015-12-20 15:58

Rescuers work at the landslide site of an industrial park in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Dec. 20, 2015.[Photo/Xinhua]

RESCUE UNDERWAY

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang have ordered immediate rescue efforts following the disaster.

Xi ordered Guangdong and Shenzhen authorities to do everything possible to minimize casualties, treat the injured and comfort the family members of the victims. He said scientific rescue efforts are needed to prevent further damages.

Li urged the ministry of land and resources and other central authorities to send officials to help the local government in its rescue efforts. He ordered investigations into the cause of the disaster.

The State Council, China's cabinet, has sent a working group to Shenzhen to help coordinate rescue efforts. Guangdong and Shenzhen officials are already at the site.

More than 1,500 people, including firemen, police and health workers, are involved in the rescue operations, with more than 900 residents having been evacuated by 5 p.m.

A total of 94 fire engines, 44 life-detectors, 4 drones and 13 sniffer dogs have been employed in rescue work, according to the official Weibo account of the Fire Department under the Ministry of Public Security.