A landslide hit an industrial park in Shenzhen city in South China's Guangdong province Sunday morning, crushing several buildings. Photo by Chai Hua/chinadaily.com.cn

RESCUE UNDERWAY

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang have ordered immediate rescue efforts following the disaster.

Xi ordered Guangdong and Shenzhen authorities to do everything possible to minimize casualties, treat the injured and comfort the family members of the victims. He said scientific rescue efforts are needed to prevent further damages.

Li urged the ministry of land and resources and other central authorities to send officials to help the local government in its rescue efforts. He ordered investigations into the cause of the disaster.

The State Council, China's cabinet, has sent a working group to Shenzhen to help coordinate rescue efforts. Guangdong and Shenzhen officials are already at the site.

More than 1,500 people, including firemen, policemen and medical staff, are involved in the rescue operations, with more than 900 residents having been evacuated by 5 p.m.

A total of 104 fire engines, 123 life-detectors, 4 drones and 30 sniffer dogs have been employed in rescue work, according to the official Weibo account of the Fire Department under the Ministry of Public Security.