CHONGQING — A landslide triggered by heavy rainfall in southwestern China's Chongqing municipality killed at least eight people and left 34 others missing, authorities said on Saturday, as rescuers continued searching unstable debris fields despite persistent rain.
The landslide struck at about 9:08 a.m. on Friday in Pengshui County, on the outskirts of Chongqing, burying more than 10 residential buildings under rocks and soil, according to state broadcaster CCTV and local officials. Rescue teams worked through the night to locate survivors while monitoring the risk of further collapses.
Pengshui County Mayor Ren Xujiang said 10 people had been rescued from the debris and taken to hospital, including two with serious injuries. More than 1,100 residents were evacuated from nearby areas as a precaution while emergency crews assessed surrounding slopes for additional hazards.
Authorities said the landslide deposited about 18,000 cubic metres of rock and earth, with several massive boulders complicating rescue efforts. Emergency workers planned controlled drilling and blasting operations to remove some of the largest rocks and gain access to areas where people were believed to be trapped, according to state media.
More than 800 rescuers, including firefighters, police officers and medical personnel, were deployed to the site, CCTV reported. Heavy rain and unstable ground slowed search operations, with officials warning that additional rockfalls remained possible.
China's central government allocated 30 million yuan (about $4.2 million) for emergency recovery, infrastructure repairs and restoration of essential public services in the affected area, state media reported.
The landslide occurred near the Wujiang River in a mountainous region known for steep karst terrain that is vulnerable to geological hazards, particularly during periods of intense rainfall. Local authorities said community workers had observed falling rocks before the collapse and evacuated dozens of residents from areas considered to be at immediate risk.
Rescue operations remained underway on Saturday, with officials saying casualty figures could change as crews continued searching for the 34 people still unaccounted for. Authorities said emergency teams would maintain round-the-clock operations while monitoring weather conditions and the stability of the surrounding hillside.
