At least eight people have died in a landslide in China. More than ten houses are buried, dozens of people are still missing. The accident occurred east of the metropolis of Chongqing.
At least eight people have died in a landslide in western China. Authorities said late Friday (local time) that another 34 people were still missing.
The landslide occurred in the Pengshui area, east of the metropolis of Chongqing. More than 800 rescuers were sent to the scene, according to state broadcaster CCTV. Citing authorities, state media also reported that more than a dozen residential buildings were buried and people were trapped. At the moment, ten buried people have been rescued and are out of danger.
Shortly before the demolition, residents noticed falling rocks, state television reported. During the subsequent evacuation of 60 residents, a debris avalanche was reported to have occurred. CCTV footage showed a large pile of rocks and dirt blocking part of the road at the base of a mountain in the area. People could also be seen screaming and running away from the cloud of dust.
Second landslide in a month
According to its own information, the government has provided relief funds equivalent to approximately 6.45 million euros to support rescue and relief efforts and to assist affected residents. President Xi Jinping called on authorities to quickly determine the cause of the accident.
Earlier this month, a landslide occurred in northwest China’s Gansu province, killing 21 people.