Ten people are dead and 33 missing after flash floods and mudslides in northwest China's Gansu province, state media reported Friday, the latest in a series of lethal weather events to hit the country.

Natural disasters are common across China, particularly in the summer, when some regions experience heavy rain while others bake in searing heat.

Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered "utmost effort" in rescuing the missing people on Friday, state broadcaster CCTV said.