Rescuers retrieved two more bodies in a landslide in China's Yunnan Province Friday afternoon, bringing the total death toll to seven with eight persons still missing, authorities said.

The landslide hit Latudi Village in Fugong County last Monday, triggered by heavy rains that have been pounding parts of China since last week.

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Weather authorities have since issued alert status in several parts of the country heavy rains are expected to continue in the next few days.

During last Monday’s landslide, two people were confirmed dead on the spot while three others were brought to the hospital for injuries, the Yunnan Provincial Government said.

At least 1,000 rescuers helped in the search operation for the 13 persons who were reported missing on Monday.

As of Saturday morning, seven persons have been confirmed dead while eight others were still missing.

Rescuers had to clear nearly 100,000 tons of dirt, sand and stones in an attempt to rescue the missing persons, authorities said.

The landslide occurred at 9 in the morning in the tiny village of Latudi in the town of Shangpa. County deputy head Cao Xiao said a brick mill was buried in the landslide. It was not ascertained yet if those dead and missing were workers of the mill.

One of the three injured persons was seriously wounded and is still being treated in a hospital in the city of Baoshan.

Authorities said the search operation will go on until all of the missing persons will be found.

Last June 30, one person died after a landslide hit the same area. Two people were injured in the incident.

The National Meteorological Center issued a blue alert for heavy rain in most of China's southern and eastern parts.

The country's meteorological authorities urged residents in affected areas to take precautionary measures against floods or landslides.

TagsYunnan Landslide