BEIJING (AP) - A devastating landslide struck a village in northwestern China on Tuesday, burying a total of 33 individuals, as reported by state media. Initial reports indicated that approximately half of those trapped have been successfully rescued.

The landslide occurred in Nanhe township, which is situated within Longnan city, located in Gansu province. The incident took place shortly before 7 a.m., according to the official Xinhua News Agency of China. The timing of the disaster raised concerns among local officials regarding the safety protocols in place for the residents of the area.

As rescue operations commenced, state broadcaster CCTV confirmed that 17 individuals had already been pulled from the debris. However, details regarding their current medical condition remain unclear, leaving families and friends anxious for more information about their loved ones' wellbeing.

In response to the landslide, local authorities have taken immediate action to relocate residents who were affected by the disaster. The safety of the remaining population in the vicinity is paramount, and measures are being put in place to ensure that any further risks are minimized.

Currently, the cause of the landslide remains under investigation. Authorities have yet to determine whether heavy rainfall, geological instability, or other factors contributed to this catastrophic event. Landslides are not uncommon in the region, especially during periods of heavy precipitation or seismic activity, but the scale of this incident has raised significant alarm among both local officials and residents.

As rescue efforts continue, the focus remains on locating and assisting the remaining individuals who are still unaccounted for, and the community is rallying together to support each other during this challenging time.