Five people were killed and another 12 were reported missing after a landslide struck Gansu Province in northwest China. The incident occurred at around 06:56 a.m. local time on Tuesday in Renzang Village, Nanhe Township, Tanchang County, Longnan City of the province, Xinhua reported.

According to local authorities, 33 people were trapped under the debris.

Rescuers said that as of 14:50, 21 people had been found, five of whom died despite receiving medical treatment. Intensive search and rescue operations are currently underway to determine the whereabouts of the remaining 12 people who are still listed as missing.

Search and rescue efforts are in full swing in Gansu Province with the participation of various departments, including emergency management, fire and medical services, as well as public security, transport, power supply and telecommunications authorities.

China's Ministry of Natural Resources activated a Level III emergency response mechanism over possible geological disasters and dispatched a working group to direct rescue operations at the scene.

A total of 345 personnel and 10 search dogs have been mobilized for the rescue operation. According to Xinhua correspondents reporting from the scene, excavators are being used to clear the area, while nearby ambulances and numerous rescue teams are intensively carrying out search and rescue operations and relocation work for those affected.

According to the provincial health commission, four emergency medical teams and 13 medical workers were dispatched to Tanchang County.

Three specialists in intensive care, orthopedics and general surgery from Gansu Provincial People's Hospital were also sent to provide assistance on site. Local authorities opened a "green channel" to provide medical assistance and set up a platform for remote medical consultations.