Scores still missing after China landslide

Many still missing after the landslide on Tuesday in China due to heavy rains (C)Reuters

Hundreds of rescue workers are looking for survivors after a landslide hit 33 buildings in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen. Nearly 60 houses were buried in rocks and mud, and about 4,000 villagers were forced to flee their homes. According to reports, about 85 people are still missing. The landslide occurred when a huge man-made mound of earth and construction debris lost stability and collapsed.
The landslide has blanketed a vast area of 380,000 sq m (455,000 sq yards) covering it with up to 10m (32ft) of mud at an industrial park, Shenzhen's emergency management office said on its official microblog.

Rescue workers working throughout the night

State news agency Xinhua said that the landslide caused an explosion at a natural gas pipeline. Workers have cleaned up about 400m of damaged pipeline and are now repairing it.
People's Daily said the mound had accumulated at a stone quarry that had been converted into a dumping area with its entrance and exit facing an industrial district. Residents evacuated from the surrounding area described hearing loud roars when the landslide happened. Amateur footage of the incident broadcast on state television showed waves of red soil quickly engulfing and crushing buildings.