In brief
In a recent landslide event in the Jinping village of Sichuan province, at least one person has been confirmed dead and 28 are currently missing, as reported by Chinese state media. The landslide occurred on Saturday at approximately 11:50 AM local time, burying 10 homes and trapping numerous residents beneath the rubble. Emergency services were able to rescue two individuals from the debris.
A command center has been established at the site, where hundreds of emergency responders are tirelessly searching for survivors, as stated by the Ministry of Emergency Management. President Xi Jinping has mandated an "all-out" rescue operation, emphasizing the need to do everything possible to locate and save those who are missing. Images broadcasted by state media depict a significant collapse of earth and rock cascading down a steep mountain slope, impacting the small village below.In a directive following the tragic event, President Xi urged local authorities to minimize casualties and handle the aftermath with utmost care. Premier Li Qiang has called for an investigation into potential geological hazards in the area, particularly since villagers reported observing large rocks descending the mountainside over the past six months.Furthermore, as a precautionary measure, Li has instructed the evacuation of residents in vulnerable areas to prevent further casualties. The Chinese government has allocated 50 million yuan (approximately $6.9 million) from its central budget to aid in infrastructure repair and public service recovery.The region of south-western China is known for its susceptibility to landslides, with previous incidents resulting in significant loss of life, including a devastating landslide in Yunnan province in January 2024 that claimed dozens of lives. Residents are reminded of the region's geological instability and the importance of staying alert to potential dangers that may arise.
