Death toll hits 38 in east China landslide

Source:Xinhua Published: 2015-11-19 13:30:49

With two more bodies found at the site of a landslide in east China's Zhejiang Province, the death toll has reached 38, with only one person rescued as of 12:30 a.m. Thursday.

According to previous toll, there were 38 people buried, with 36 dead, one missing and one rescued. The missing person was confirmed dead and an additional body, the relative of a victim, was found, bringing the total death toll to 38, local authorities said.

Rescue operations were interrupted several times by rain and suspended on Wednesday afternoon due to a landslide. Rescuers resumed work from 7:15 a.m. Thursday.

After 24 hours of drainage, the water level started to decrease and the flow slowed, according to scientists monitoring the situation upstream.

More than 2,300 rescuers, along with seven sniffer dogs, 60 machines and more than 80 vehicles, are helping with rescue work at the accident site. A radar system is in place to supervise and prevent further disasters.

The landslide buried 27 homes in Lidong Village, Liandu District of Lishui City in east China's Zhejiang Province late Friday night. More than 300 villagers have been relocated.

The city government has decided on a location for reconstruction. A land replacement plan for the affected farmers will be completed in a week.

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