Two survivors have been pulled out of ruins left by a landslide in Zhenxiong county, Yunnan province, and it is believed that 45 others remain trapped, according to the National Health Commission.

The natural disaster, which occurred shortly before 6 am on Monday in Liangshui village, buried 18 houses, a media release from the commission stated.

The two survivors suffered soft tissue injuries and have been hospitalized, the commission noted.

After the landslide occurred, the commission asked neighboring Sichuan and Guizhou provinces to ensure that their emergency medical rescue teams, as well as their doctors who are members of the national medical expert team for emergency rescue, are ready to head to Zhenxiong if needed, it said.

A work group dispatched by Yunnan's health commission has arrived in the county, the media release said. Area hospitals have been directed to be prepared to receive survivors.