More Than 1,100 Evacuated as China Landslide Claims Lives, Rescue Efforts Continue

Emergency rescue teams are racing against time to locate survivors after a devastating landslide struck southwestern China, killing at least eight people, leaving 34 others missing, and burying multiple residential buildings beneath thousands of tonnes of earth and rock.

The disaster occurred on Friday morning in Pengshui County, located on the outskirts of the sprawling municipality of Chongqing, following days of heavy rainfall that destabilized the mountainous terrain. Authorities said the landslide unleashed an estimated 18,000 cubic metres of soil and rocks, swallowing more than ten homes within minutes and trapping dozens of residents beneath the debris.

Rescue operations have continued despite persistent rainfall, with more than 800 emergency responders, firefighters, soldiers, medical personnel and geological experts deployed to the scene. Search crews are using drones, excavators, sniffer dogs and life-detection equipment to locate anyone who may still be alive under the rubble. However, officials warned that unstable ground and continuing rain have significantly increased the risk of secondary landslides, making rescue efforts both dangerous and painstaking.

According to local authorities, ten people have been pulled alive from the debris and rushed to hospitals, with two reported to be in serious condition. Rescue workers are also preparing controlled blasting operations to break apart several enormous boulders that are preventing access to areas where survivors may still be trapped.

The catastrophe prompted the evacuation of more than 1,100 residents living in nearby communities as officials feared additional slope failures. Utility companies also suspended water, electricity and gas services within a one-kilometre radius of the disaster zone to reduce further hazards during rescue operations. Temporary shelters, tents, beds and emergency supplies have been provided for displaced families.

Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered authorities to spare no effort in the search for survivors while also directing investigators to determine the exact cause of the landslide and strengthen disaster prevention measures in vulnerable regions. Government agencies have also announced emergency funding of approximately 30 million yuan (about $4.4 million) to support rescue work, infrastructure repairs and relief efforts.

Residents described terrifying moments as the mountainside suddenly collapsed. Some said they heard loud rumbling noises and noticed rocks falling before the entire slope gave way, giving only minutes for a handful of people to flee. Others watched helplessly as homes disappeared beneath a torrent of mud, rocks and debris.

The affected area lies near the Wujiang River in a mountainous region known for its rugged karst landscape, where prolonged rainfall frequently heightens the risk of landslides. Experts say saturated soil and steep slopes make the region particularly vulnerable during China’s annual rainy season, and authorities continue to monitor surrounding hillsides for signs of further movement.

As rescue teams continue their painstaking search, families remain gathered near the disaster site hoping for news of missing relatives, while authorities warn that the death toll could rise as emergency crews reach areas still buried beneath the massive landslide.