HANOI, Sept. 15 (Xinhuanet) -- A big landslide occurred in Bat Xatdistrict of the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai on Mondayevening, leaving twelve people dead and another 14 people missing.

    The calamity happened at 8:00 p.m. local time after a short spell of heavy rain dislodged part of a hillside next to the commune, when the four families were eating dinner and had no chance to escape, said one witness.

    The government has sent rescuers to the affected area to help look for the missing people and evacuate households in the surrounding area.

    The death came less than two months after a local radio stationwarned a large crack had been found along the brow of the hill. Enditem