Dozens Still Missing in Yunnan Landslide: Urgent Rescue Efforts Underway

Rescuers in China are working against the clock to locate dozens of missing people following a devastating landslide that struck Zhaotong city in Yunnan province. The landslide occurred early on Monday morning, leaving 11 dead and 47 trapped beneath the rubble. President Xi Jinping has ordered a comprehensive rescue operation in the area, which is currently experiencing freezing temperatures. Early reports suggest that the landslide occurred due to a collapse in a steep cliff, causing a massive mass of debris to bury the region. The debris measured approximately 100m in width, 60m in height, and had an average thickness of 6m. City authorities have reported that over 500 people have already been evacuated from their homes, while nearly 1,000 rescue workers have been deployed to the site. Chinese vice-premier Zhang Guoqing has personally led a team to oversee the rescue efforts. Unfortunately, most of the residents affected by the landslide were either elderly or children, making the situation even more dire. Witnesses recounted the terrifying event, describing it as a loud rumble accompanied by a powerful shake reminiscent of a strong earthquake. Video footage shared on social media depicts rescuers navigating through rubble and debris against the backdrop of snow-covered mountains. Personal belongings and household items can be seen strewn among the wreckage. This remote, mountainous region has a history of landslides, with a similar disaster claiming 18 lives in the same county back in 2013. Additionally, a separate 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Wushi county in Xinjiang, China, resulting in damaged homes and power outages. Thankfully, no casualties have been reported so far. The combination of these natural disasters highlights the challenges faced by China in managing and responding to such emergencies. The urgent rescue efforts and harsh weather conditions make this a critical situation that requires immediate attention and resources to prevent further loss of life. Chinese authorities, rescue organizations, and the international community must collaborate to ensure a swift and effective response. We hope that the missing individuals will be found alive and that the affected communities can recover and rebuild in the aftermath of these devastating events.