46 dead after landslide in the southwest

Latest: The death toll from a landslide that hit a mountainous region in southwest China's Yunnan Province Friday rose to 46 as bodies of the last two missing were found Saturday morning, rescuers said.

Rescuers recover the body of a victim of a landslide in Zhenxiong county, Yunnan province, on Friday. At least 42 people were killed. [Shi Shengming / For China Daily]

Top leaders mobilize resources to offer urgent help to Yunnan

At least 42 people have been confirmed dead with another four still missing after a massive landside engulfed a village in Southwest China's Yunnan province on Friday morning.

The disaster struck Gaopo at around 8 am.

The village is in the city of Zhaotong, Zhenxiong county, about 550 kilometers from the provincial capital of Kunming.

Top leaders Xi Jinping, Wen Jiabao and Li Keqiang immediately ordered every resource possible to be mobilized to help with the rescue of victims.

Party chief Xi Jinping said every effort must be made to resettle affected residents and prevent secondary disasters.

He has also asked disaster relief agencies to offer full psychological support to affected residents.

A group headed by Minister of Land and Resources Xu Shaoshi and composed of leaders from various government departments, including the land and resources, civil affairs, transport and health ministries, has been dispatched by the State Council to the disaster area to direct relief work.

Zhai Yulong, head of Zhenxiong county, said the landslide smashed the homes of all 16 families in the village and that four people are still believed to be trapped under tons of mud and rocks.

He said the flattened houses were of simple adobe and brick structures.

"Two rescued survivors have been sent to Zhenxiong County People's Hospital for treatment, and we are trying our best to rescue those still buried," Zhai said.