A total of 17 people remain missing after a rock collapse happened Wednesday in Ganluo County in southwest China’s Sichuan Province, according to China Railway Chengdu Group Company.

More than 20 people were dredging at a section of the Chengdu-Kunming Railway when the mountain nearby suddenly collapsed around 12:44 p.m.

Rescue operations are now underway. Some 70 rescuers are working on site with some rescue dogs and various equipment, including excavators, life detection instruments and image transmission equipment, according to the Sichuan Provincial Emergency Management Department.

Geological experts have finished on-site investigation towards the collapse area and worked out a risk assessment report and an emergency plan. A total of 27 people have been arranged to conduct uninterrupted monitoring work in surrounding areas in case of any potential hazards, said the department.

Since late July, the county has been repeatedly stricken by rainstorm-triggered landslides, which severely affected the normal operation of the railway. The restoration work has also been underway.

The latest scenario has also affected the power supply, which is also under repair, for more than 11,000 households.