The death toll from a massive landslide in the Chinese megacity of Chongqing has risen to 51 people, with another 10 people missing. This is the deadliest landslide in China since 2015, Bloomberg reports, writes UNN.
Details
The landslide occurred on July 17 in Pengshui County, when huge masses of rock and soil slid down a slope and covered residential buildings on the banks of the Wujiang River. Dozens of people were trapped under the rubble.
According to local authorities, signs of danger were detected before the landslide, after which about 1,100 residents were evacuated from the area.
Rescuers are hampered by large volumes of debris
China's leader Xi Jinping ordered the intensification of the search and rescue operation and the adoption of measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Local authorities reported that rescue operations are significantly complicated by the large volume of debris - about 18,000 cubic meters - accumulated in a limited area.
Bloomberg notes that the tragedy once again demonstrated the danger of the summer rainy season in southwestern China. Prolonged rainfall destabilizes mountain slopes, increasing the risk of landslides and flash floods.
In China, at least 8 people died in a landslide, 34 are considered missing17.07.26, 21:20