A landslide struck a township in Tanchang County, Longnan City, northwest China's Gansu Province, early on Tuesday morning, leaving five people dead and 12 missing.

The landslide occurred at Renzang Village in Nanhe Township at around 6:56 a.m., according to local authorities. A total of 33 people were buried beneath the debris.

Rescuers said 21 people had been pulled out as of 2:50 p.m., five of whom died despite treatment. All-out search and rescue operations are underway for the other 12 missing people.

A total of 30 million yuan (about $4.4 million) has been allocated to support local relief and restoration work, according to China's National Development and Reform Commission, the country's top economic planner.

The funds will be used to support the restoration and construction of infrastructure and public service facilities, it added.

The National Commission for Disaster Prevention, Reduction and Relief has activated a Level-IV disaster relief emergency response following the incident.

(With input from Xinhua)