Teams are working tirelessly to pull dozens of people from the rubble. A sudden landslide in a western region of China buried many as the mountainside collapsed after freezing temperatures set in. The latest official figures from state media report two dead and 47 missing as rescuers race against time in a rugged, mountainous area. Harsh weather and winter conditions hampered the early hours of the response, but a large-scale operation is underway to reach those trapped beneath soil and rock.
The landslide hit two towns near Zhaotong just before 6:00 a.m. local time, affecting 18 houses and sending debris down the mountain slope. Local footage shows people’s feet covered in soil and rock as the surge of earth tumbled downhill. A neighbor described the moment saying the mountain collapsed and four relatives were buried under the rubble. Residents recalled the roar and tremors that accompanied the collapse, likening it to a powerful earthquake. The disaster memory weighs heavy as families await news from loved ones.
Some 500 people have been evacuated, and roughly 1,000 rescue personnel with about 200 vehicles have reached the region. The exact cause for the separation of communities remains unclear, though the area had been dealing with heavy snowfall in the hours before the event. Local officials stressed the urgency of organizing rescue teams swiftly to locate the missing and minimize casualties. High-level guidance has emphasized a coordinated response and the mobilization of resources to sustain the operations at the site.
Maximum warning in cold weather
Authorities urged local cadres to avoid overpromising during this cold spell that raises the risk of natural disasters, traffic accidents, and work disruptions. The northern part of the country faces a winter with temperatures dipping below normal, following a summer marked by extreme heat. The cycle of heat and cold in recent months, along with drought and heavy rain, has contributed to multiple natural hazards. Regions like Xian in the north and Sichuan province in the center have endured deadly landslides in the past year.
The period around the Chinese New Year and Spring Festivals often sees large travel volumes. Transport disruptions, road closures, and crowded stations can complicate relief efforts. Maintaining social stability and safe travel during these holidays remains a priority for the government, with officials coordinating to keep people safe while the rescue operations continue.
Poor state
The incident occurred in Yunnan province near the border with Thailand and summarizes a landscape of valley villages that echo stories of resilience. The region is known for its lush natural scenery and rich ethnic diversity, making it a focal point for visitors and locals alike. With some areas attracting mass tourism in places like Dali and Lijiang, the affected spot stands out as a reminder of the fragility of mountain communities during extreme weather. The event marks one more chapter in a region frequently shaped by natural forces and evolving development.
The area was recently removed from the official poverty list as part of a government program to boost rural economies. Located in the northeast part of Yunnan, near Guizhou and Sichuan, the province has faced earthquakes, drought, and energy challenges in recent years. In 2014 an earthquake caused significant loss of life, underscoring the ongoing vulnerability of the region to seismic events and related hazards. Resilience initiatives continue as authorities work to strengthen infrastructure and preparedness for future incidents, while relief operations focus on saving lives and providing essential aid to affected residents. (Source: Diario del Pueblo)