In a devastating incident, a landslide in the mountainous region of southwest China's Yunnan province has claimed the lives of at least eight people, with dozens still missing. The tragedy struck the remote Zhenxiong County in the early hours of Monday, burying 18 homes and leading to the evacuation of over 200 residents.
The landslide, which occurred pre-dawn, prompted an extensive rescue operation involving 200 workers, numerous fire engines, and other equipment, as reported by China Central Television (CCTV). Four individuals were extracted from the debris, but their conditions remain unclear.
Residents of the area described the harrowing experience, with one local recounting the collapse of her ceiling onto her head, initially mistaking the landslide for an earthquake. Both residents spoke to the state-run Beijing News outlet under pseudonyms.
Social media footage from a local broadcaster showed rescue workers braving snowy conditions as they prepared for the operation. Other images captured the aftermath, with rescuers sifting through the rubble of collapsed masonry amidst the cold, harsh weather.
Chinese President Xi Jinping called for "all-out" rescue efforts. "Xi demanded that rescue forces are organised quickly... and efforts made to reduce casualties as far as possible," CCTV quoted him. He also emphasized the need for proper care of the deceased's families and the resettlement of affected individuals.
One image broadcasted by CCTV showed a firefighter working to rescue a villager trapped in a home affected by the disaster. However, the local village head, when contacted, was unable to provide details, citing his involvement in the ongoing emergency response.
Yunnan province, known for its steep mountain ranges and proximity to the Himalayan plateau, frequently experiences landslides. The area affected by Monday's disaster is characterized by its rugged terrain and snowy peaks. The temperatures in Zhenxiong were hovering just above freezing but were expected to drop below zero in the evening.
The cause of the landslide remains undetermined, with investigations underway to ascertain what triggered the calamity. China has witnessed several natural disasters in recent months, often linked to extreme weather conditions like heavy rains, which have triggered similar landslides in other regions.
In September, rainstorms in Guangxi province caused a landslide that resulted in at least seven deaths, while heavy rains near Xi'an in August led to a disaster that killed over 20 people. Another landslide in Sichuan province in June claimed 19 lives, highlighting the recurring nature of such tragedies in China's mountainous areas.
The response to the landslide in Zhenxiong has been swift, with a significant number of rescue personnel deployed and Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing leading a workgroup to oversee rescue operations. The evacuation of over 500 people from their homes underlines the severity of the situation and the challenges faced by the authorities in ensuring the safety of residents in such vulnerable regions.
As rescue efforts continue, the focus remains on finding survivors and providing relief to those affected by this natural disaster. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by China's varied and often treacherous terrain, especially during extreme weather conditions.
