Heavy rainfall and flooding in western China triggered a landslide that buried dozens of people.

Rescue workers rushed to areas of devastation after heavy rains and floods swept away hundreds of homes in Sichuan province.

Hundreds were trapped in a highway tunnel between Dujiangyan and Wenchuan following the landslide.

Authorities believe between 30 and 40 people in the city of Dujiangyan were buried in the landslide. There was no immediate word on the chances of survival for those missing, reports The Associated Press.

A bridge collapsed in the nearby city of Jiangyou, leaving at least 12 people missing.

An unfinished coal mine in Jinzhong collapse in the violent rainstorm, killing at least 12 workers, according to a statement from the local government.

The landslide covered about 2 sq km (0.8 sq miles), damaging at least 11 homes, Xinhua New Agency reported.

Survivors described stones and debris rushing down the hill and covering around eight homes in less than three minutes.

Chinese officials said that the heavy rain had affected more than 500,000 people in Sichuan and Yunnan provinces, damaged about 300 homes, and forced the evacuation of more than 36,000 people, BBC reports.