China launches emergency response after landslide strikes Sichuan

BEIJING, Feb. 8 (Xinhua) -- Chinese authorities on Saturday initiated emergency response efforts following a landslide in southwest China's Sichuan Province.

The Ministry of Emergency Management has launched a Level-III emergency geological disaster response, while China's national commission for disaster prevention, reduction and relief has activated a Level-IV national disaster relief emergency response.

The landslide occurred at about 11:50 a.m. in Jinping Village, Junlian County in the city of Yibin, burying 10 houses and leaving over 30 people unaccounted for.

Following the landslide, ministry officials led a working group to the scene to guide rescue operations, after directing local authorities to assess the situation promptly, mobilize professional rescue resources and equipment, and enhance on-site monitoring and control to ensure the safety of rescue efforts.

The ministry has mobilized more than 400 personnel, 100 vehicles and 75 sets of equipment to undertake on-site rescue operations.

China has a four-level emergency disaster relief response system, with Level IV being the lowest level and Level I the highest.