At least 55 were killed and 47 were missing in Sichuan province while nine people died and 18 were missing in Chongqing municipality.

"Among the dead and missing many are from Dazhou city. There are 30 dead and 30 missing there," Sichuan disaster relief bureau deputy director He Rongjun told AFP.

"It has mainly been caused by landslides and mountain torrents, mud and rock flows."

Heavy rain has been pounding the area since last Thursday, although He said it was expected to ease Monday.

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