According to local press, search work continues on the mountain in Zhenxiong, Zhaotong city, amid difficulties such as sub-zero temperatures, large amounts of debris and the depth of buried people.

The provincial government mobilized about 1,000 rescuers, 174 vehicles and 45 dogs to work at the site since the landslide occurred the day before, Sina newspaper reported. Based on reports, experts inspected more than 2,500 square meters of affected areas, while 13 people are still missing.

In addition, authorities relocated 918 people from 223 homes following the disaster, Sina reported.

The day before, President Xi Jinping ordered immediate rescue efforts to minimize casualties, called for increased monitoring and early warnings, and a scientific approach to search and rescue to protect people against secondary disasters.

The president also insisted on ensuring adequate measures to comfort the families of victims and resettle those affected.

Xi said natural disasters, traffic accidents and work safety incidents are prone to occur as the Spring Festival (Feb. 10) approaches and due to the negative influence of cold snaps.

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