China – February 9, 2025
A devastating landslide struck Jinping Village, Junlian County in Yibin City, southwest China’s Sichuan Province at approximately 11:50 a.m. Beijing Time on Saturday. As of Sunday morning, local authorities confirmed that two individuals have been rescued, while 29 others remain unaccounted for.
The disaster, triggered by continuous rainfall and unstable geological conditions, has transformed into debris flows stretching 1.2 kilometers, with an estimated volume exceeding 100,000 cubic meters. The unstable terrain continues to pose risks for ongoing rescue efforts.
More than 200 residents have been evacuated, with a makeshift shelter established at a local school. Authorities have ensured the displaced population’s basic needs by setting up emergency dining spots and distributing 30 emergency generators, 100 cotton tents, 400 disaster relief beds, and 1,100 quilts.
By 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, a large-scale rescue operation was underway, mobilizing 949 personnel, including emergency rescue teams, armed police, firefighters, public security officers, transportation workers, medical staff, communications experts, and electricity technicians. Heavy machinery, including excavators, fire engines, and ambulances, has been deployed to the site.
In response to the catastrophe, the National Development and Reform Commission has allocated 50 million yuan ($6.8 million) from the central budget to restore infrastructure and public facilities. Additionally, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Emergency Management have jointly allocated 30 million yuan from the central natural disaster relief fund to support ongoing rescue operations.
Emergency response measures have been escalated, with the Ministry of Emergency Management launching a Level-III geological disaster response, while China’s national commission for disaster prevention, reduction, and relief activated a Level-IV national disaster relief emergency response.
The situation remains critical as authorities work to stabilize the affected area and continue search-and-rescue operations. The international community closely watches the unfolding tragedy, highlighting the urgent need for preparedness in disaster-prone regions.
Online Peoples News will continue to provide updates on this developing situation.