A massive landslide in a bustling Chinese metropolis has resulted in the deaths of at least eight individuals, while 34 are still unaccounted for, prompting the evacuation of over a thousand residents.
The incident occurred on the outskirts of the southwestern Chinese city of Chongqing, as reported by local officials and state media, happening around 9:08 a.m. in Pengshui County on the periphery of the Chongqing municipality.
Reports indicate that a substantial volume of rocks and soil cascaded downhill, engulfing more than 10 residential structures. Ten people were successfully rescued from the debris, with two individuals sustaining severe injuries.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged authorities to investigate the cause of the calamity.
During a press briefing, Wang Chuanjun, the head of Planning and Natural Resources in Pengshui County, disclosed that the devastating landslide involved approximately 18,000 cubic meters (636,000 cubic feet) of rocks and debris. The largest individual rock measured about 3,000 cubic meters (106,000 cubic feet).
Wang also expressed concerns about the ongoing risk of additional collapses under extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rainfall or prolonged periods of clear and hot weather.
To prevent further disruptions, water, electricity, and gas supplies were disconnected within a one-kilometer (0.6-mile) radius of the landslide area. More than 800 rescuers were deployed to the site, as per a statement from local authorities. Drones were utilized for surveys of the affected areas.
CCTV images depicted a section of a mountainside collapsing onto a residential zone. Adjacent buildings were impacted, prompting rescue teams to sift through the rubble.
Rescue operations faced challenges due to the unstable terrain and the looming risk of another landslide. Social media footage captured a rescue team extracting a survivor from the debris.
Large rock slabs had shifted alongside buildings into a waterway below. Although two buildings, approximately five and 15 stories high, sustained damage, they remained upright.
The Chinese megacity sprawls across 31,815 square miles, equivalent to the size of Austria, and accommodates an astonishing 32 million inhabitants. Renowned for its unique urban layout, Chongqing’s architecture has been likened to a “city in three dimensions” due to its intricate, multi-tiered design.