Probe unveils causes of fatal Guangdong landslide

A deadly landslide on the Meizhou-Dapu Expressway in Guangdong Province on May 1, 2024, that killed 52 people and injured 30, was the result of a combination of intense rainfall, infrastructure weaknesses, and systemic failures, according to a government investigation released yesterday.

An aerial view of the landslide site on the Meizhou-Dapu Expressway in Guangdong Province, taken on May 2, 2024. CCTV News

The landslide occurred at 1:57 a.m. near the Chayang section of the expressway, when heavy rain from weeks of persistent storms weakened the road’s embankment, causing 23 vehicles to fall into a ravine. 

The report from the Guangdong provincial authorities cites excessive groundwater accumulation as the primary factor. Light rain, poor visibility, and a surge in traffic on the day when the landslide occured further intensified the tragedy. After vehicles fell into a ravine, fires erupted, worsening the devastation. 

The report also highlights that structural flaws in the road’s design, construction, and maintenance compromised its ability to withstand extreme weather conditions.

Excessive rainfall, weakened infrastructure

Guangdong experienced record rainfall in the spring of 2024, including a particularly severe storm in late April that significantly contributed to the disaster. Meilin Station, located 700 meters away from the site, recorded a monthly rainfall of 740.5mm, the highest since records began in January 2021. The prolonged heavy rain saturated the soil and elevated underground water levels, creating immense pressure on the embankment, which ultimately failed.

The report notes that the disaster site, characterized by a "reverse triangle" slope, was highly susceptible to landslides due to both its geological features and the increased water pressure. As the road’s base softened under prolonged saturation, the embankment’s middle and lower sections slid, triggering the collapse that led to the tragedy.

Faults in design and oversight

Beyond natural factors, the investigation found significant issues in the planning, construction, and maintenance of the expressway. The report highlighted flaws in the road's design, poor monitoring of groundwater levels, and inadequate maintenance of the embankment, which ultimately compromised its ability to withstand prolonged rainfall.

Additionally, several government departments and construction firms were found to have failed in their oversight responsibilities, with the investigation recommending disciplinary action against involved officials. Several cases have been referred to the relevant authorities for further legal proceedings.

Lessons and recommendations

The investigation concluded with five key lessons from the disaster, emphasizing the lack of proper risk assessment for high embankments, inadequate groundwater management, and the absence of an effective strategy for extreme weather events. The report stressed the need for stronger infrastructure resilience, more rigorous construction oversight, and the implementation of advanced monitoring technologies.

The committee also outlined five recommendations aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future. These include improving infrastructure safety standards, enhancing monitoring and risk prevention systems, and bolstering the management of expressway projects throughout their lifecycle. Furthermore, it called for greater public education on risk prevention and emergency response.

Authorities have committed to implementing these reforms to prevent future disasters and enhance the safety of Guangdong’s transportation networks.