Death toll in China landslides after typhoon hits 16 as rescue efforts continue

The death toll from two landslides last week in southeastern China following a major typhoon has risen to 16, with searchers finding the bodies of more people reported missing.

The death toll from two landslides last week in southeastern China following a major typhoon has risen to 16, with searchers finding the bodies of more people reported missing.

Tidal waves which surged past a barrier on the banks of Qiantang River in Hangzhou, crash onto a street in Zhejiang province, China, on October 4, 2016. (Reuters)

Rescuers are still at work in Sucun village, in China’s Zhejiang province, where 10 people were confirmed dead on Tuesday night. Another 17 are still considered missing, even though it’s been more than a week since strong rapids carrying rocks and debris swept through the village and destroyed 20 homes.

Elsewhere in Zhejiang province, authorities in Wencheng county have confirmed the death of a sixth person.

The landslides were triggered by Typhoon Megi, which lashed southeastern China and Taiwan last week with heavy rain and strong winds.