A Deadly Landslide Strikes China’s Yunnan Province, Leaving Eight Dead and Dozens Missing
Tragedy struck China’s southwestern province of Yunnan as a deadly landslide hit Zhaotong city, claiming the lives of at least eight people and leaving dozens more missing. The incident occurred at 05:51 local time on Monday, sending shockwaves through the region. As rescue efforts intensify, President Xi Jinping has ordered an “all-out” operation to save those trapped beneath the rubble.
The cause of the landslide remains uncertain, but the mountainous terrain in this remote area makes it susceptible to such disasters. With sub-zero temperatures adding to the challenges, the rescue mission is fraught with difficulties. Over 500 individuals have been evacuated from their homes, and nearly 1,000 dedicated rescue workers have been deployed to the site.
Leading the rescue operations is Chinese vice-premier Zhang Guoqing, who personally visited the scene to oversee the efforts. The gravity of the situation is further emphasized by reports that most of the affected residents are either elderly or children. One villager recounted the terrifying ordeal, stating that the landslide occurred while many were still asleep. “It was very loud, and there was also a shake, it felt like a big earthquake,” she shared.
Heart-wrenching video clips circulating on social media depict rescuers bravely navigating through piles of rubble against a backdrop of snow-covered mountains. Amongst the debris lie scattered personal belongings, serving as a poignant reminder of the lives disrupted by this natural calamity.
This is not the first time Zhaotong city has experienced such devastation. In January 2013, a landslide in the same county claimed the lives of 18 individuals. The recurrence of such incidents highlights the urgent need for improved infrastructure and disaster preparedness in this vulnerable region.
As rescue efforts continue, the nation mourns the lives lost and anxiously awaits news of those still missing. The landslide serves as a somber reminder of the unpredictable forces of nature and the importance of unity and resilience in the face of adversity.
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