Rescuers work at the landslide site in Taining County, East China's Fujian Province, May 8, 2016.[Photo/Xinhua]

Intermittent rainfalls have complicated the rescue efforts. Authorities said precipitation in Taining is 35 percent higher than historical average since this year. In the 24 hours ending 11 a.m. Sunday, precipitation has hit up to 215.7 mm in parts of Taining, triggering landslide.

"We were still asleep when the mountains began to jolt very strongly and before we know it, sand and mud are flowing into our room." said Deng Chunwu, who survived the landslide by hiding underneath a supporting pole along with three other people in their work camp.

Deng added that their room has been pushed 10 meters further by the flowing mud.