Death toll rises to 31 in China landslide

Death toll of a landslide in east China's Zhejiang Province has risen to 31, with 6 still missing as of 8 p.m. Tuesday.

The landslide buried 27 homes in Lidong Village, Liandu District of Lishui City late Friday night, leaving 38 missing. Only one person has been rescued. More than 300 villagers have been relocated.

Weather bureau has forecast torrential rain tonight, which might hamper the rescue efforts.

Meteorologists warned hazards for about 2,300 rescuers who are engaged in the operation.

Owners of the 26 buried homes are settling their insurance claims while the other household is being examined.

The city government has decided on a location for new buildings. A land replacement plan for the affected farmers will be completed in a week.

Fifty psychologists have been sent to help the families of the victims.

Staff with the Ministry of Land and Resources have been dispatched from Beijing to carry out inspections in the neighboring mountain area and prepare to organize an evacuation if necessary.

Lishui had received about 4.23 million yuan (660,000 U.S. dollars) of public donations by Tuesday evening. Endi