Four missing after SW China mudslide

CHENGDU -- Four people were missing following a mudslide on Friday in Southwest China's Sichuan province, authorities said on Saturday.

The mudslide hit two villages in Rongchag county at around 5:50 pm on Friday, after the entire county was drenched by a continuous rainstorm since Wednesday, according to the geological disaster prevention and control headquarters of the county.

The mudslide, combined with a mountain torrent, damaged houses, inundated farmland and cut telecommunications, power and access to certain roads.

After the disaster, the county immediately activated emergency responses for geological disasters and flood control.

Rescuers are still searching for the missing people.

Since Wednesday, rain-triggered mudslides have affected 12 townships in the county — forcing 1,719 residents to evacuate.