BEIJING, Jan. 22 -- China's Ministry of Emergency Management has upgraded the emergency response level to the second-highest level for the landslide that struck southwestern Yunnan Province early Monday.

The ministry has dispatched work teams to the disaster-hit area to guide the rescue and relief work.

The landslide hit Liangshui Village in the city of Zhaotong in Yunnan Province at around 6 a.m. on Monday, burying 47 people, according to local headquarters for the disaster relief.

Seven people have been confirmed dead as of 6:30 p.m. Monday, local authorities said.