Chinese military personnel search for missing Dozens of people killed and buried, and a sign of life, when a landslide struck homes. (Photo by AFP) / China OUT (Photo by -/AFP via Getty Images)
A landslide tore through Jinping village in Sichuan province, leaving more than 30 people unaccounted for. The disaster struck at 11:50 AM local time (03:50 GMT), burying 10 homes under a torrent of mud and rock.
Emergency teams rescued two people, while the search continues for those trapped beneath the debris. President Xi Jinping called for an “all-out effort” to locate survivors and limit casualties. “Authorities must act swiftly to search and rescue those missing and properly manage the aftermath,” he said, according to state media.
Rescue Teams Race Against Time
Hundreds of emergency workers are on-site, coordinating efforts through a command center set up by local officials. Nearly 200 residents have been evacuated as a precaution.
State media images show the scale of destruction—a deep scar of mud cutting through the mountainous landscape, homes reduced to rubble, and rescue workers combing through the wreckage.
Government Orders Investigation and Disaster Relief
Concerns about geological hazards in the area are growing. Villagers reported seeing large rocks rolling down the mountain for months before the landslide. Premier Li Qiang has called for a full investigation into potential risks nearby and ordered evacuations for residents in danger zones.
Financial relief is already in motion. The central government has allocated 50 million yuan ($6.9 million) to repair infrastructure and restore essential services.
Sichuan’s Landslide History Raises Alarm
Southwestern China’s rugged terrain faces recurring landslide threats, especially after heavy rainfall or seismic activity. Jinping village is the latest to suffer, following a similar tragedy in Yunnan province just weeks ago, where dozens lost their lives.
A separate disaster in Sichuan 11 years earlier killed 18 people, highlighting ongoing risks in the region. Authorities continue working to reinforce vulnerable areas, but unpredictable conditions make prevention difficult.
Search for Survivors Continues
Rescue teams are pushing through challenging conditions, hoping to find survivors. Emergency officials pledged to use every available resource in the operation. “We will not stop until every missing person is accounted for,” a rescue spokesperson said.
Efforts remain focused on locating those trapped, stabilizing the area, and preventing further disasters. China faces yet another test in its battle against nature’s unpredictability.
