BEIJING – Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged all-out rescue and relief efforts to safeguard people's lives and property after the collapse of a highway bridge in northwest China's Shaanxi province.

His call came after the bridge in Zhashui county in Shangluo city collapsed at approximately 8:40 pm on Friday due to flash floods caused by heavy rain. 

As of Saturday noon, rescue workers had recovered seven of them and found 12 people dead, with one person rescued, the provincial Party committee said, adding that 31 people remain unaccounted for.

Search efforts were ongoing, it added.

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Total 17 cars and eight trucks plunged into the Jinqian River below the bridge, according to initial investigation.

The immediate priority is to carry out rescue operations, make every effort to search for the missing and minimize casualties, Xi said in the instructions, urging efforts to assist the families of the affected.

He emphasized the importance of well-planned rescue and the prevention of secondary disasters.

The Chinese leader stressed that as the critical period of flood control approaches, it is imperative for regions and relevant departments to be extra vigilant, fulfill their duties diligently, improve monitoring systems and early warning mechanisms, strengthen inspections, and implement various measures meticulously to guarantee the safety of people's lives and property.

Premier Li Qiang has given instructions to spare no effort in searching for and rescuing the missing people, investigate the cause promptly and take measures to prevent secondary disasters.

Vice-Premier Zhang Guoqing has led a working team to the site to guide rescue efforts.

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A team has been dispatched to guide rescue efforts following the bridge collapse, according to the Ministry of Emergency Management.

The China National Comprehensive Fire and Rescue Team has sent 736 people, 76 vehicles, 18 boats and 32 drones to carry out rescue efforts.