China Landslide Leaves 8 Dead, 34 Missing, Rescue Efforts Ongoing
A devastating landslide in the southwestern Chinese city of Chongqing has left at least 8 people dead and 34 others missing. Rescue crews have been working tirelessly to search the rubble for survivors, using excavators to comb through the debris.
The landslide occurred early Friday morning in Pengshui County, which is located on the outskirts of Chongqing. Massive amounts of rocks and soil roared down a slope and buried more than 10 residential buildings, leaving many residents trapped under the rubble.
On Sunday morning, rescue crews were seen carrying a sealed orange bag from the scene, but it was not immediately clear if a victim had been pulled out. State broadcaster CCTV reported that all the residents staying in 21 buildings in the potential impact zone had been evacuated, with over 1,100 people relocated to safer areas.
According to authorities, one of the 10 survivors pulled from the rubble has been discharged from the hospital, while the other nine are in stable condition. Eight people pulled from the rubble had died, and rescue crews are working to carefully map out a rescue plan to avoid triggering a secondary collapse.
The landslide contained approximately 18,000 cubic meters of rocks and debris, with one boulder being around 3,000 cubic meters. More than 120 experts have been deployed to the scene to help with the operation, which is being hampered by heavy rainfall.
The landslide occurred near a stretch of the Wujiang River, which cuts through karst mountains peppered with small towns and terraces. Pengshui County is located in the southeast part of Chongqing, bordering the provinces of Hubei and Guizhou.
Key Statistics:
- At least 8 people dead
- 34 people missing
- Over 1,100 people evacuated and relocated
- 10 survivors pulled from the rubble
- 8 people died after being pulled from the rubble
- Approximately 18,000 cubic meters of rocks and debris
Efforts to Rescue Survivors:
Rescue crews are working around the clock to search for survivors, using excavators and other equipment to comb through the rubble. However, the operation is being hampered by heavy rainfall and the risk of a secondary collapse. Authorities are working to carefully map out a rescue plan to avoid triggering a secondary collapse and to ensure the safety of both the rescue teams and the trapped survivors.
