Seven people have been killed, while 13 others remain missing, after heavy downpours triggered a deadly mudslide, in southwest China's Sichuan Province. Floods and mudslides have cut off access to pivotal highways in the area, including a route which became known as "The Lifeline," following the 2008 Wenchuan Earthquake.

Repair efforts are underway, but have been greatly hindered by cave-ins. The deluge is also threatening new towns built after the tremor, and submerging parts of the old ruins at the disaster's epicenter. More than 27-thousand people have been relocated. Local authorities are beefing up supplies of life necessities, and stabilizing market prices.