Death toll from China landslide rises to 20, 24 still missing

The death toll from a devastating landslide in China has risen to 20, with around 24 people still missing as rescue efforts continue in the mountainous region of Gansu province.

The landslide, triggered by heavy rain, struck the village of Xinmo in Maoxian county early Saturday morning, burying more than 100 people. Rescue teams, including over 3,000 workers, have been using heavy machinery and shovels to dig through the debris in the hope of finding survivors.

The scale of the landslide is immense, with an estimated 18 million cubic meters of earth and rock crashing down onto the valley, engulfing homes and roads in its path. The local authorities have warned that the chances of finding survivors are diminishing as time passes, but they are still holding out hope and doing everything they can to locate and rescue those who are still trapped.

The Chinese government has mobilized a large-scale response to the disaster, with President Xi Jinping calling for all-out efforts to save those who are trapped and providing support for the affected families. Premier Li Keqiang has also visited the site to oversee the rescue operations and offer condolences to the victims.

The landslide has not only caused loss of lives but has also disrupted the lives of the local community, destroying homes, roads, and infrastructure. The survivors have been relocated to a safer area and are receiving support from the government and relief organizations.

As the search and rescue efforts continue, there is a growing concern about the potential for more landslides in the area, particularly as the rainy season progresses. The authorities are taking preventive measures to ensure the safety of the rescue teams and the affected communities.

This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the power of nature and the vulnerability of human settlements in high-risk areas. It also highlights the importance of disaster preparedness and response, as well as the need for effective land use planning and mitigation measures to minimize the impact of natural disasters.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families, and we hope that the rescue efforts will be successful in finding those who are still missing. The international community stands ready to offer assistance and support to the Chinese authorities as they work to address the aftermath of this devastating landslide.