Major Landslide in China, Several People May Be Trapped Under Rubble

A major landslide in southwestern China has brought down several residential buildings, while an as-yet undetermined number of people are believed to have been buried beneath the earth and rubble.

The incident was recorded in Pengshui County, one of China’s largest urban areas. State media reported that at around 8 a.m., a community worker alerted authorities after noticing moving rocks and signs warning of a possible landslide.

Immediately after the alert, authorities began evacuating the area and ordered more than 60 residents to leave buildings exposed to risk. However, as the evacuation was under way, the situation worsened: at around 9:08 a.m., the ground gave way, engulfing several buildings and leaving people trapped beneath the rubble.

Authorities have not yet confirmed how many people are missing or remain under the debris. Rescue teams are continuing searches on the ground, using specialised equipment to inspect the area and extract people who may have been buried by the earth.

According to the official Xinhua news agency, nine people have been rescued from the rubble and their health condition is not considered serious. The operation continues to locate other people who may have remained trapped.

The exact cause of the landslide has not yet been determined. Experts are expected to examine the terrain and the geological condition of the area to establish whether the incident was linked to heavy rainfall, soil weakening or other natural factors.

Landslides frequently occur in several mountainous regions of China, especially during periods of heavy rainfall, when terrain instability increases the risk of collapses and significant damage.

Chinese authorities have deployed numerous forces to the affected area, while the rescue operation remains ongoing. Further information on the number of victims and people rescued is expected in the coming hours.