10 dead, 28 missing after mudslides in southwest China's Sichuan

At least 10 people are confirmed dead, 28 are still missing after multiple mudslides hit Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, in southwest China's Sichuan Province, local authorities said on Thursday.

Roads and residential buildings are devastated by multiple mudslides triggered by heavy rainfall in Wenchuan County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province on August 20, 2019. [Photo: IC]

The mudslides were caused by a severe downpour in the area that started on Monday night.

More than 34,000 tourists have been evacuated from Wenchuan County, which was the worst affected area, according to Xinhua.

On Wednesday, the provincial emergency management bureau dispatched multiple helicopters for evacuation and delivered food and supplies to those in distress.

Heavy downpour will continue to batter the area until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, according to the weather forecast issued on Wednesday night.