In brief
A recent landslide in Jinping village, Sichuan province, has led to the death of one individual and left 28 more unaccounted for, sparking urgent rescue efforts by local authorities.
The landslide occurred on Saturday at approximately 11:50 local time, burying numerous homes and trapping residents beneath rubble. Immediate rescue efforts saw two people successfully extricated from the wreckage, while hundreds of emergency responders are on-site, scouring through the debris for additional survivors.The Chinese President, Xi Jinping, has mandated an extensive rescue operation, emphasizing the importance of locating and aiding those still missing. State media have reported dramatic visuals showcasing the substantial landslide that has obliterated parts of the small village. As part of the coordinated response, a command center has been established to oversee the rescue operations, and approximately 200 individuals have been evacuated to safer locations. In support of the emergency measures, central government officials have pledged 50 million yuan (around $6.9 million) to assist with the restoration of infrastructure and public services.Premier Li Qiang has urged for a thorough inquiry into geological hazard risks in surrounding regions to prevent similar disasters in the future, noting that residents had noticed an increase in rockfalls from the mountain over the past several months. The vulnerability of mountainous areas in southwestern China to landslides remains a critical issue, as evidenced by past tragic events where dozens lost their lives due to unstable terrain conditions.
