China Landslide: 28 Missing, 1 Dead as Xi Orders Urgent Rescue Operations.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has directed authorities to intensify search and rescue efforts following a devastating landslide in Southwest China’s Sichuan Province. The disaster, which struck Jinping village in Junlian county on Saturday, has resulted in one confirmed death, 28 missing persons, and two injuries, according to a preliminary report released by Chinese authorities.
Rescue operations are underway around the clock as officials work to verify the exact number of missing persons. The landslide, which buried 10 residential buildings and one industrial facility, has forced the evacuation of hundreds of residents.
Casualties and Injuries: Latest Updates
As of 11 a.m. Sunday, authorities confirmed:
- One person dead due to the landslide.
- 28 people still missing, with ongoing search efforts.
- Two individuals injured—one seriously and another with minor injuries. Both are being treated at
- Junlian County People’s Hospital and are in stable condition.
President Xi’s Directives on Disaster Management
President Xi Jinping has emphasized strengthening disaster monitoring, early warning systems, and scientific rescue operations to minimize casualties. He has urged officials to prevent secondary disasters, such as additional landslides, and to enhance safety protocols across the country.
“All localities and relevant departments must step up efforts to uncover hidden risks, prevent major disasters, and protect people’s lives and property,” Xi stated.
Vice Premier Liu Guozhong Leads Rescue Efforts
Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong, a member of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee’s Political Bureau, arrived at the disaster site on Saturday night to oversee emergency response operations.
During a Sunday meeting, Liu stressed the importance of deploying advanced rescue equipment and monitoring instruments to ensure safe and efficient rescue operations. He also visited injured victims at a local hospital, emphasizing the need for high-quality medical care to minimize casualties.
Emergency Medical Response and Evacuation Efforts
Following the landslide, China’s National Health Commission activated an emergency response and dispatched medical personnel and ambulances to the disaster site. Officials from the State Council and health authorities have been deployed to coordinate medical treatment and strengthen rescue efforts.
As part of the emergency relief measures:
- 200 people were evacuated from the affected area.
- 155 displaced residents were accommodated at a temporary shelter in Junlian County Second Middle School.
- Emergency aid, including 30 generators, 100 tents, 400 disaster relief beds, and 1,100 cotton quilts, was provided to ensure adequate food, shelter, and heating.
- Local volunteers distributed blankets, toiletries, and other essential supplies to affected villagers.
A press conference in Yibin on Sunday confirmed that authorities are providing meals, accommodation, and other necessities for all evacuees. However, reports indicate that some villagers are reluctant to leave their homes, choosing to stay on the mountain despite the dangers.
Cause of the Disaster: Geological and Weather Conditions
Initial assessments suggest that the landslide was triggered by continuous rainfall combined with unstable geological conditions. Experts described the landslide as a high-level landslide that evolved into a debris flow, covering an area of:
- 1.2 kilometers in length
- 100 meters in width
- 10 to 20 meters in depth
- A total volume exceeding 100,000 cubic meters
High-Tech Rescue Operations with Drone Assistance
In response to the disaster, authorities swiftly assembled an emergency rescue team, which arrived overnight at the landslide site. An expert team consisting of geologists, IT specialists, drone operators, and rescue planners was deployed early Sunday morning.
- Key technological tools aiding the rescue mission include:
- Slope radar and geographic surveying tools for real-time monitoring.
- Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras to capture 3D images of the landslide site.
- Advanced photogrammetry modeling to provide a real-time visual representation of the affected area.
By 9 a.m. Sunday, a 3D oblique photogrammetry model of the landslide zone was completed, significantly improving the coordination and precision of rescue operations, as reported by CCTV News.
Rescue Efforts Continue Amid Uncertainty
As search operations continue non-stop, authorities remain hopeful of finding survivors. The Chinese government has assured that every possible effort will be made to rescue those still missing and to provide assistance to affected families.
With President Xi personally overseeing response measures, the disaster has prompted nationwide discussions on improving disaster preparedness and response mechanisms to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Read this also.
China Protests Panama’s Exit from BRI, Warns of Consequences.
China lodges serious protests to US over Rubio’s remarks on China during visit to LAC countries.
My Introduction.
