At least seven people were killed and 17 were injured by a landslide Thursday in Ecuador's mining zone of Bella Rica in the southern province of Azuay, local authorities said.

Patricio Lopez, the mayor of Ponce Enriquez, told reporters the landslide occurred early in the day due to heavy rains, causing damage to two mines in the region.

The mayor said several miners may have been trapped in the mines and the death toll may rise over the next few hours.

Four homes have also been damaged and Ponce Enriquez has been left without electricity.

Rescue units are at the disaster site, which is located in a rural area accessible only on foot or by plane, local authorities said.

Ponce Enriquez has a population of more than 10,000 and most residents work in gold mining or agriculture.

The region was previously affected by landslides that killed several miners. Ten days ago, a Peruvian and an Ecuadorian died in another landslide in the same area. Endi

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