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Death toll rises to 10 in N. China landslide

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-08-05 17:22

LOUFAN, Shanxi (Xinhua) -- Rescuers have recovered 10 bodies at the site of a landslide in the suburbs of Taiyuan, the provincial capital of Shanxi Province, according to the rescue headquarter.

The landslide happened in the early hours at Sigou Village in Loufan County Friday. The village locates inside the mining area of Jianshan Iron Mine, operated by Taiyuan Iron and Steel (Group) Company Ltd.

A preliminary investigation showed seven houses and 11 villagers were buried. Rearch continued  for last missing person.

The exact number of those trapped, however, was still being checked as there were people from other areas living in the village, the local government said.

Local rescuers were going all out to complete their mission under the guidance of professional rescuers as the landslide terrain was unstable.

The Loufan weather department was told to pay close attention to weather changes and provide timely warnings to prevent secondary disasters.

The cause of the landslide was still under investigation.

The rescue headquarter had the dead bodies disinfected before sending them to a funeral home. Local police were working to identify the victims, according to Loufan authorities.