Torrential Rains in Northwest China Trigger Massive Landslides, Kill at least 127

At least 127 people have been confirmed dead, 76 others injured and 2,000 missing as of 4pm on Sunday 8 August 2010 in landslides triggered by torrential rains in Zhouqu County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Northwest China's Gansu Province.

Photo: Torrential Rains in Northwest China Trigger Massive Landslides, Kill at least 127

Torrential Rains in Northwest China Trigger Massive Landslides, Kill at least 127

According to local authorities, over 300 houses collapsed in the landslides and about 45,000 people have been evacuated, according to a statement from the provincial civil affairs department, Sin Chew Jit Poh says.

Hoping to prevent further disasters, demolitions experts set off charges to clear debris blocking the Bailong River upstream from the ravaged town of Zhouqu, which remained largely submerged following Sunday's disaster.

The blockage had formed a two-mile-long artificial lake on the river that overflowed in the pre-dawn hours, sending deadly torrents crashing down onto the town, The Press Association reports.