BEIJING: The death toll in northern China’s recent landslide, triggered by heavy rainfall, has surged to 21, with six individuals still unaccounted for, Chinese authorities reported on Sunday. This tragic incident comes in the wake of a series of deadly floods and historic downpours that have plagued the region, resulting in numerous casualties.
Initially reported as four casualties earlier on Sunday, the Xi’an emergency management bureau confirmed the rising death toll, attributing the disaster to a flash flood-induced mud-rock flow. The landslide, which occurred in the village of Weiziping in Shaanxi province, was triggered by torrential rain and engulfed two houses, causing extensive damage to roads, bridges, and electricity supply.
Rescue efforts have been mobilized with the involvement of approximately 100 soldiers and firefighters who continue to work tirelessly to provide relief to the affected communities. Images broadcasted on the social media platform Weibo reveal the arduous work of rescuers clearing debris, rocks, and trees from the vicinity of a river, as well as transporting victims on stretchers.
Rescue Operation Underway Landslide Site in Northern China
The Xi’an emergency management bureau disclosed that over 980 individuals have been mobilized to participate in the ongoing rescue operations, utilizing life detectors and search dogs to locate survivors. The landslide not only claimed lives but also led to the displacement and resettlement of 186 people, with communication and power services being gradually restored in the disaster-stricken area.
These recent calamities have emerged amidst a period of extreme weather events in China, marked by record-breaking rainfall and historic heatwaves. Scientists have warned that climate change is exacerbating these extreme weather patterns.
Last week, Hebei province experienced deadly flooding that claimed 29 lives, with severe rainfall being the most intense since records were first kept 140 years ago. The impact of these floods extends to Beijing, where at least 33 people have perished, including two rescue workers. Additional casualties have been reported in Jilin, Liaoning, Sichuan, and Gansu provinces, where flooding and torrential rains have led to further loss of life and extensive damage.
