A devastating landslide struck Jinping village in Yibin city, located in China's southwestern Sichuan province, on Saturday, burying over 30 people. The catastrophe occurred at approximately 11:50 am amid heavy rain, which has been cited as the primary cause of the landslide. As rescuers continue to sift through debris, the search for survivors remains urgent, with 29 individuals still missing after two were rescued from the site.
The landslide unfolded during a period of extreme weather conditions that have been affecting China in recent months. This pattern of severe weather has already resulted in significant casualties, with dozens losing their lives in floods last year, marking one of the warmest years on record for the nation. The area around Jinping village has been particularly hard-hit by relentless rainfall, exacerbating geological vulnerabilities and leading to this tragic event.
"A preliminary study shows this disaster occurred due to the influence of recent prolonged rainfall and geological factors." – CCTV
In response to the incident, China's President Xi Jinping swiftly instructed authorities to take immediate actions to address the disaster. Rescuers were seen working tirelessly through the night, utilizing flashlights to navigate the treacherous terrain as they searched for any signs of life amidst the wreckage.
The local county government confirmed that 29 people remain unaccounted for, while state broadcaster CCTV noted that the final tally of missing persons is still subject to verification.
"The final number is still undergoing further verification." – CCTV
This landslide is yet another reminder of the devastating impact of extreme weather conditions that have increasingly plagued China. As the nation grapples with the consequences of climate change, such incidents highlight the urgent need for enhanced preparedness and response strategies to mitigate the effects of natural disasters.
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