Death toll climbs to 15 after SW China landslide

GUIYANG - The death toll has climbed to 15 with eight others remain missing after a landslide destroyed a village in southwest China's Guizhou Province, local authorities said Friday.

The landslide struck Yingping Village in Fuquan City at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, injuring 22 people and toppling 77 houses in addition to those killed or missing, according to the on-site rescue headquarters.

Those injured have been sent to local hospitals and are in stable condition.

Rescuers are trying to rescue survivors from the debris as half of a 600-meter-high knoll broke free and wiped out a majority of the village at the foot of the hill.

The local government has relocated other villagers to safer sites.

Residents said the village was occupied mainly by children and elderly when the landslide struck, as many villagers had moved to the city for work.

Relief materials, including tents, water and food, have been sent to local villagers.