A devastating landslide occurred in the early hours of January 22, 2024, in the mountainous area of Zhenxiong County, Yunnan province, Southwestern China, resulting in at least 47 people being buried. The incident took place in the village of Liangshui, beneath the town of Tangfang, striking just before 6 am local time (22:00 GMT on Sunday).
Rescue Efforts Underway
Rescuers are working tirelessly in challenging conditions, including freezing temperatures and snowfall, to locate victims buried under the rubble. Footage from the scene shows emergency workers navigating through piles of debris, including concrete blocks and twisted steel. State broadcaster CCTV reported that around 18 households were affected, and more than 200 people were evacuated urgently from the area.
Response and Support
In response to the disaster, Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for “all-out” rescue efforts, emphasizing the urgency of organizing rescue forces quickly to minimize casualties. Over 200 rescue workers have been deployed, supported by dozens of fire engines and other equipment. The footage shared on social media depicts the severe conditions faced by the rescuers, with snowflakes swirling through the air as they prepare for their challenging task.
Causes and Precedents
The exact cause of the landslide is currently under investigation. Landslides are not uncommon in Yunnan, a remote region known for its steep mountain ranges that rise into the Himalayan Plateau. The area has experienced a string of natural disasters in recent months, including a cold wave bringing bitter temperatures. This tragedy follows a 6.2 magnitude earthquake that struck the northwest between the Gansu and Qinghai provinces just over a month earlier, causing significant casualties and destruction.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges and dangers posed by natural disasters in mountainous regions and underscores the importance of emergency preparedness and response in such areas.
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