Tragedy Strikes as Landslide Claims Lives in China’s Yunnan Province
In a devastating incident, a landslide in China’s Yunnan province has resulted in the loss of 20 lives, with 24 individuals still missing. The catastrophe occurred in Zhaotong at 05:51 local time on Monday, leaving dozens of people trapped beneath the rubble. Rescue teams are working tirelessly, braving sub-zero temperatures, to locate and save those who remain unaccounted for.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the landslide was triggered by a collapse in a steep cliff. According to reports from state news agency Xinhua, the collapsed mass spanned approximately 100 meters in width and 60 meters in height, with an average thickness of around 6 meters. City authorities have been cited as the source of this information.
The response to this calamity has been swift and extensive. Over 500 individuals were evacuated from their homes, and close to 1,000 rescue workers were dispatched to the site. President Xi Jinping has ordered an “all-out” rescue operation in the affected area, demonstrating the gravity of the situation. Chinese vice-premier Zhang Guoqing has also taken charge of guiding the rescue operations on-site.
Despite the challenging conditions, search and rescue efforts have persisted throughout the night. Firefighter Li Shenglong, speaking to state news outlet Xinhua, emphasized the unwavering commitment of the rescue teams. The affected village primarily consisted of elderly residents and children, according to one villager who spoke to local media outlets. The landslide occurred while many were still asleep on that fateful Monday morning. “It was very loud, and there was also a shake, it felt like a big earthquake,” one resident recounted.
Heart-wrenching video clips circulating on social media platforms depict rescuers navigating treacherous piles of rubble against a backdrop of snow-covered mountains. Personal belongings are strewn amidst the collapsed masonry, serving as a stark reminder of the lives disrupted by this natural disaster.
The region where the landslide occurred is known for its remote and mountainous terrain, making it susceptible to such incidents. Tragically, this is not the first time the area has experienced such devastation. In January 2013, a landslide in the same county claimed the lives of at least 18 individuals.
In an unfortunate turn of events, another natural disaster struck China’s Xinjiang province. A 7.0 magnitude earthquake rocked Wushi county at approximately 02:00 local time on Tuesday. While state broadcaster CCTV has reported no casualties thus far, some homes have been damaged, and certain areas have suffered power supply disruptions.
As China grapples with these back-to-back calamities, the nation’s resilience and determination to overcome adversity are evident. The tireless efforts of rescue teams and the swift response from government officials demonstrate the commitment to saving lives and providing support to affected communities. The road to recovery may be long, but with unity and resolve, China will undoubtedly emerge stronger from these trying times.