28 Individuals Missing After Landslide in Southwest China

A devastating landslide in the southwest region of China has resulted in 28 individuals being reported missing. Official sources confirm that one fatality has been recovered, while two others sustained injuries during the incident that occurred in the village of Jinping, near the city of Yibin.

The landslide, which took place shortly before noon on Saturday, involved the collapse of earth and debris from a hillside, burying agricultural land and ten structures beneath it. Rescue efforts have been complicated by adverse weather conditions, including cold temperatures and slippery roads, which have hindered the operations of military personnel, firefighters, and disaster relief teams.

According to rescue officials, the displaced earth covers an area of over one kilometer and is estimated to be between 10 to 20 meters thick. Concerns remain regarding the potential for additional landslides, as noted by a leader of the rescue operations.

In response to the disaster, authorities have successfully evacuated 360 people from 95 households to temporary shelters, ensuring their safety as rescue efforts continue.

Southwest China is known for its mountainous terrain, where landslides frequently occur, particularly following heavy rainfall or snowfall. This recent event echoes a similar disaster that struck the neighboring province of Yunnan just over a year ago, which claimed the lives of more than 30 residents.

The ongoing rescue operations are being closely monitored as teams work tirelessly to locate the missing individuals amid the challenging conditions.