Warning of Expansion: Landslide in China Leaves Casualties

11th February 2025

2 minutes read

Warning of Expansion: Landslide in China Leaves Casualties

Chinese state media reported on Sunday that a landslide occurred in Sichuan Province, southwest China, on Saturday, resulting in one death, two injuries, and 29 missing persons, amid warnings of a possible expansion of the disaster.

According to the Xinhua News Agency, the landslide took place at approximately 11:50 a.m. in the village of Jinping, located in Jiulong County, Yibin City.
The collapse buried 10 residential houses and a production facility.

The agency reported that two people were rescued, one seriously injured and the other with minor injuries. Both are currently receiving medical treatment at a hospital in Jiulong.

29 People Still Missing

During a press conference held early Sunday morning, officials confirmed that 29 people remain missing.

Due to continuous rainfall and unstable geological conditions, the landslide turned into debris flows, accumulating across 1.2 kilometers, with a total volume exceeding 100,000 cubic meters, according to an initial assessment.

The press briefing also stated that the landslide area, with a thickness ranging from 10 to 20 meters and a width of approximately 100 meters, continues to expand.

Massive Rescue Efforts

The Sichuan Province has mobilized 949 personnel, including military forces, armed police, firefighters, emergency response teams, transportation units, medical staff, and telecommunications teams, to assist in rescue operations.

Additionally, specialized rescue equipment and emergency supplies have been deployed to support search, rescue, and emergency assessment efforts.

More than 200 residents have been evacuated to a safe location, while 155 people have been temporarily relocated to a school in Jiulong.

Measures to Support Affected Residents

Local authorities have provided:

✔ 30 emergency power generators

✔ 100 cotton tents

✔ 400 beds and 1,100 quilts

These resources are intended to ensure food, shelter, and heating for the affected individuals, while others are temporarily staying with relatives and friends.

Monitoring and Preventing Further Risks

Given the low temperatures, persistent rainfall, and unstable terrain, local authorities have designated high-risk areas in Jinping Village and its surroundings.

Real-time monitoring of mountain slopes on both sides of the landslide is being conducted. Emergency evacuation routes and safety signs have also been set up to prevent secondary disasters and ensure the safety of ongoing rescue operations.