Rescuers in north-west China search for more victims as landslide claims 337 lives

More heavy rain was forecast in Gansu province, with meteorologists warning that the area would be among those affected by typhoon Dianmu.

There was thick mud everywhere, and underneath the debris there were homes. Doctors were searching the upper floors of a crushed apartment block.

Yesterday evening the death toll jumped from 137 to 337 and officials warned that figure was expected to rise.

The landslides in Zhouqu county, Gansu, were triggered by torrential rains that hit the area on Saturday.

Landslide debris had blocked a river which burst its banks, sending water, rocks and mud down several hillsides and on to homes.

Soldiers had blasted through the blockage on the Bailong river, lowering the water level of an unstable lake created by the landslide.

Thousands of people had been evacuated from downstream villages that could be engulfed if the natural dam bursts.

The landslides came as China was struggling with its worst flooding in a decade, with more than 1,000 people reported dead and millions more displaced around the country.

More than 4,500 soldiers, firefighters and medical staff had been sent to the area, as well as helicopters and other aircraft.

Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao has visited Zhouqu, urging rescue workers on in their efforts and comforting those affected.

Authorities have sent tents, food and water, but some supplies were reported to be running low.