Torrential downpours have left 12 people dead while 10 others are missing in southwest China's Sichuan Province, local authorities said Sunday.

Intense rain lashed parts of Sichuan starting Friday with the county of Mianning where a heavy rainfall led damages to crops, houses, roads and bridges. Power lines were also seriously damaged.

County officials said search and rescue efforts are underway.

China activated a level IV emergency response on Sunday, the lowest in the country's four-tier warning system after rainstorms triggered floods in its central and southwestern regions, the Ministry of Emergency Management said.