More than 140 people are reported missing after a landslide in south-western China.

Part of a mountainside collapsed onto a village in the early morning while most people were still asleep.

About 40 homes were destroyed in Xinmo village in Maoxian county. 

Search and rescue efforts are underway, involving more than 400 workers

A Xinhua news agency reported that the landslide blocked a two-kilometer stretch of a river. 

The local police said the landslide had been triggered by recent heavy rains in the region and that the situation was made worse by a lack of vegetation in the area.

Police captain Chen Tiebo said: "There are several tonnes of rock," adding that "It's a seismic area here."

Roads in the county were closed on Saturday to all traffic except emergency services.