A devastating landslide struck Jinping village in Yibin, southwestern China’s Sichuan province, on Saturday morning, killing at least one person and leaving 28 others missing, according to state media reports on Sunday.
Triggered by prolonged heavy rainfall, the landslide hit the village at approximately 11:50 a.m. local time (0350 GMT). Two survivors were rescued on Saturday, while over 900 emergency responders, equipped with flashlights and heavy machinery, are scouring the debris in a desperate search for the missing.
China has been experiencing a series of extreme weather events in recent months, with scientists attributing the increasing frequency and intensity of such disasters to climate change. The country recorded its warmest year on record in 2023, with heavy rainfall and deadly floods becoming more common.
State broadcaster CCTV cited local authorities, stating that initial assessments indicate the landslide was caused by a combination of prolonged rainfall and geological instability in the region. Footage aired by CCTV showed emergency workers navigating through rubble in the darkness, reflecting the challenging conditions of the rescue operation.
Chinese President Xi Jinping issued a directive on Saturday, urging authorities to undertake all possible measures to locate and rescue missing individuals, minimize casualties, and manage the aftermath effectively.
“The safety of people’s lives and property must remain the top priority,” Xi emphasized in his statement, calling for intensified monitoring of disaster-prone areas to prevent further tragedies.
Landslides are a common hazard in Sichuan province due to its mountainous terrain and vulnerability to heavy rainfall. In recent years, China has ramped up disaster response efforts, deploying swift emergency operations whenever such calamities strike. However, the growing impact of climate change poses an increasing challenge to mitigation and response strategies.
The latest disaster underscores the urgency for stronger climate resilience measures, particularly in regions prone to extreme weather events. While authorities continue the rescue mission, families of the missing remain anxiously hopeful for any signs of survival.
As the situation unfolds, meteorologists warn that more heavy rainfall could hit the region in the coming days, potentially complicating rescue efforts. Officials have urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert and take necessary precautions.
With rescue operations ongoing and the death toll potentially rising, the Jinping landslide serves as another stark reminder of the growing climate risks China and the world face today.
