Landslide in China Claims One Life and Leaves 28 Missing

A rescue operation is underway after the landslide buried houses and trapped residents, prompting urgent responses from local and national officials.

A tragic landslide in Jinping village, Sichuan province, occurred on Saturday, resulting in one death and leaving 28 individuals missing, as reported by Chinese state media. The disaster struck at 11:50 AM local time, burying ten homes and trapping several residents under debris. So far, two people have been rescued from the wreckage.

In response to the crisis, a command centre has been established at the scene, according to statements from the emergency management bureau of the county. Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for an “all-out” rescue effort to locate those trapped beneath the rubble. Images circulating in state media depict a significant collapse of earth and rock, devastating the small village.

Hundreds of emergency personnel are currently engaged in search-and-rescue operations, as informed by China's Ministry of Emergency Management. Approximately 200 residents have been evacuated from the area for safety reasons. President Xi has directed authorities to spare no effort in searching for missing individuals, aiming to minimize casualties while effectively managing the aftermath of this tragic event.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang has also ordered an assessment of geological hazards in surrounding areas. Local villagers reported that large rocks have frequently fallen from the mountain over the past six months, suggesting warning signs leading up to this disaster. In an effort to prevent further catastrophe, evacuation of at-risk residents has been strongly advised.

The central government is allocating 50 million yuan (approximately $6.9 million or £5.5 million) to help repair damaged infrastructure and restore public services in the aftermath of the landslide. Such disasters are not uncommon in the mountainous regions of southwestern China, with previous incidents resulting in significant loss of life. In January 2024, a landslide in Yunnan province caused numerous fatalities when a steep cliff collapsed on a village, further highlighting the risks that residents in these areas face.