The landslide scene in Maoxian, Sichuan, June 24, 2017 (Photo: THX/VNA)

Maoxian County is now in need of emergency response to the first class catastrophic geological disaster. About 500 rescuers have been sent to the scene to search for survivors. The landslide had been triggered by recent heavy rains in the region, and is considered the most serious disaster in the province after the 2008 earthquake, which killed 87,000 people.