Dozens missing after landslide in SW China

One person was confirmed dead, as 28 others remained missing after a landslide occurred in Southwest China’s Sichuan Province on Saturday, China’s State broadcaster CCTV reported yesterday.

The landslide occurred at 11:50 a.m. in Jinping Village, Junlian County in the city of Yibin.

Large machinery has been dispatched to search for and rescue survivors in Jinping Village, Junlian County, Sichuan Province where a landslide left one dead and 28 missing Saturday. Rescue operations are ongoing around the clock. Photos by Xinhua

The number of people missing is still being verified. As of midnight Saturday, the landslide had buried 10 family homes and a building used as a workshop.

Two injured individuals have been rescued and are receiving treatment at a hospital in Junlian.

Continuous rainfall and unfavorable geological conditions triggered the landslide in the mountains above the village, resulting in an accumulation of debris stretching approximately 1.2 kilometers and measuring over 100,000 cubic meters.

The landslide body is approximately 10 to 20 meters thick and about 100 meters wide. The landslide is still ongoing.

The landslide scene in Jinping Village, Junlian County, Sichuan Province.

Sichuan has mobilized 949 personnel from the military, armed police, firefighting, emergency response, transportation, medical, telecommunication, and other departments for the rescue efforts.

Machinery and emergency supplies have also been dispatched to search for and rescue survivors. Over 200 people have been evacuated to safety, and 155 have been resettled at a temporary shelter in a school in Junlian.

Local authorities have deployed 30 emergency generators, 100 cotton tents, 400 beds and 1,100 quilts to keep the victims sheltered and warm. Foods were also provided to them. Some residents chose to seek help from their relatives and friends.

Local authorities are monitoring the mountain slopes on both sides of the landslide in real time, and have planned emergency evacuation routes as the rescue operations continue. (SD-Xinhua)