Rescuers have retrieved 15 bodies from the debris by 10 pm Saturday local time, the rescue headquarters in the southwestern province said.

"The Secretary-General salutes the efforts of the national relief and recovery teams. The United Nations stands ready to support the authorities in any way it can if needed," said a UN statement.

The search and rescue operation is going on overnight, with thousands of rescuers combing the area with life detectors and sniffer dogs. New signs of life has yet to be found.

"The Secretary-General extends his condolences to the people and Government of the People's Republic of China and wishes those injured a speedy recovery," the statement added.

The landslide from a high part of a mountain in Aba prefecture hit Xinmo village in Maoxian county early Saturday morning, blocking a 2-km section of river and burying 1,600 meters of road.