Torrential rains caused massive landslides in northwestern China that killed more than 80 people and left about 2,000 others missing, an official said Sunday.
The state-run Chinese news agency Xinhua attributed the death and missing figures to Mao Shengwu, head of Gannan Tibetan Autonomous prefecture in Gansu province.
The landslides occurred Saturday night in the province's Zhouqu County.
"Torrential rains began to fall at around 10:00 p.m. Saturday, then there were landslides and the power of the county was cut," a top county official
identified as Diemujiangteng said.
"The water of the Bailong River then flowed into the county seat and many people were trapped. Now the sludge became the biggest problem to rescue
operations. It's too thick to walk or drive through."
Peng Wei, head of the county's fire department said houses toppled by the flooding had formed new barriers, pushing the flood waters higher.
"Someone said the fifth floor of my residential building has been submerged," said Li Tiankui, who lived near the Bailong River.