China Landslide Buries Village, 29 Missing in Sichuan Province

China Landslide Buries Village, 29 Missing in Sichuan Province \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ A devastating landslide struck a village in Junlian County, Sichuan Province, China, on Saturday, burying 10 houses and leaving at least 29 people missing. The Ministry of Emergency Management dispatched hundreds of rescuers, with two survivors pulled from the debris while nearly 200 residents were evacuated. Officials cited heavy rainfall and unstable geological conditions as the cause. President Xi Jinping urged full-scale rescue efforts, while Premier Li Qiang ordered an investigation into potential geological hazards. China has allocated 80 million yuan ($11 million) for disaster relief.

China Landslide in Sichuan Province: Quick Looks

• At least 29 people are missing after a landslide buried 10 houses in Junlian County, Sichuan Province.
• Rescue teams, including firefighters, were deployed to locate survivors.
• Two injured individuals were rescued, while 200 residents were evacuated.
• The landslide covered an area 1.2 km (0.7 miles) long with over 100,000 cubic meters of debris.
• Heavy rainfall and unstable geological conditions triggered the landslide.
• President Xi Jinping called for maximum rescue efforts to minimize casualties.
• Premier Li Qiang ordered investigations into geological hazard risks in surrounding areas.
• China allocated 80 million yuan ($11 million) for disaster relief and recovery.

Deep Look

A devastating landslide in Junlian County, Sichuan Province, has left at least 29 people missing and forced the evacuation of nearly 200 residents, prompting a large-scale rescue operation. The disaster, which struck on Saturday, buried 10 houses and a manufacturing facility, covering the area in a thick layer of debris.

Hundreds of firefighters, emergency responders, and search teams were deployed by the Ministry of Emergency Management to locate survivors. As of Sunday, two injured individuals had been rescued, but efforts continue as authorities remain uncertain about the total number of missing people.

Officials cited heavy rainfall and unstable geological conditions as the primary cause, explaining that a landslide evolved into a massive debris flow, which now stretches 1.2 kilometers (0.7 miles) long and contains over 100,000 cubic meters (3.5 million cubic feet) of displaced earth and rock.

The scale of the destruction has raised concerns about geological hazards in the region, with local residents reporting that signs of instability had been observed months before the disaster struck.

Search and Rescue Operations Intensify

In the immediate aftermath of the landslide, Chinese authorities launched a large-scale search and rescue mission to locate the missing individuals trapped under the rubble. The Ministry of Emergency Management deployed hundreds of firefighters, paramedics, and disaster response specialists, working tirelessly to sift through the debris in search of survivors.

Heavy earth-moving equipment has been brought in to clear the vast amounts of rock and soil, but the rescue teams are also relying on specially trained dogs and thermal imaging technology to detect signs of life beneath the surface.

Witnesses Describe Early Warnings Before Disaster

For months leading up to the landslide, local villagers had noticed warning signs of geological instability in the area.

One villager, speaking to BeijingNews, recalled seeing rocks tumbling down the mountainside as early as mid-2024. The falling rocks were frequent and loud, sometimes producing sounds resembling firecrackers.

These reports raise questions about whether more could have been done to prevent or mitigate the impact of the landslide. Geologists had previously inspected the area late last year, according to state-run media, but it is unclear what conclusions were drawn or what safety measures were taken following those inspections.

President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang Respond

The disaster has drawn immediate attention from China’s top leadership. President Xi Jinping issued a statement urging maximum effort in rescue operations to locate and save as many people as possible.

“Every effort must be made to find the missing and minimize casualties,” Xi said in a statement carried by the Xinhua news agency.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang has also called for an immediate investigation into potential geological risks in nearby areas, stressing that at-risk residents should be evacuated to prevent further disasters.

Government Allocates 80 Million Yuan for Disaster Relief

To support emergency response and recovery efforts, the Chinese government has allocated 80 million yuan ($11 million). These funds will be used to:

• Provide immediate assistance to displaced families
• Support ongoing rescue and recovery operations
• Fund infrastructure repairs and long-term disaster prevention measures

The government’s rapid allocation of funds underscores the seriousness of the disaster and the commitment to stabilizing the region as quickly as possible.

China’s Ongoing Battle with Landslides

Landslides are not uncommon in China, especially in mountainous and rain-prone regions like Sichuan and Yunnan Provinces. These disasters are often caused by heavy rainfall, deforestation, and unsafe construction practices, making them an ongoing threat to rural communities.

Last year, a similar landslide in Yunnan Province killed dozens, highlighting the recurring nature of these geological disasters.

The Sichuan region, in particular, has a history of devastating landslides and earthquakes. In 2008, a massive earthquake measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale triggered deadly landslides that contributed to the death toll of nearly 90,000 people.

With climate change increasing the frequency of extreme weather events, China’s emergency management agencies are under growing pressure to implement stronger mitigation strategies.

What Happens Next?

Authorities have prioritized the search for the 29 missing people, but in the coming days, they will also focus on long-term safety measures to prevent similar disasters.

1. Search & Recovery Efforts Continue – Rescuers will work around the clock to locate missing individuals.
2. Geological Inspections Will Be Expanded – Experts will assess other risk-prone areas to prevent future landslides.
3. Survivors & Displaced Residents Will Receive Aid – Families affected by the disaster will be relocated and supported with financial assistance.
4. Investigations into Early Warning Signs – Authorities will examine whether the pre-existing geological concerns should have led to preventative evacuations.

With the death toll still uncertain, the rescue mission remains a race against time, as families anxiously await updates on their missing loved ones.

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