Dozens missing after landslide in Shaanxi, China

At least 40 people are reported missing after a landslide swept through the living quarters of a mining company on Wednesday in China’s Shaanxi province.

About one million cubic metres of rocks and soil are believed to have collapsed onto the buildings close to the site of mining company Shaanxi Non-ferrous Metals Holding Group, in Shanyang county, near the city of Shangluo.

Officials said 14 people had been rescued.

The landslide appears to have been caused by the after effect of Typhoon Soudelor, which hit southern China over the weekend.

State broadcaster CCTV says the area was struck by recent heavy rains.

The official Xinhua News Agency said four people were pulled from the debris and rushed to local hospitals, where they remained in stable conditions.

Neighboring residents have been moved out of the area, it said.

China – the world’s largest producer of coal – is grappling to improve standards in the sector, where regulations are often flouted and corruption enables bosses to pursue profits at the cost of worker safety.