Landslide leaves dozens buried alive in Southwestern China

A devastating landslide struck a remote and mountainous area in southwestern China on Monday, resulting in dozens of people being buried and eight confirmed fatalities.

The pre-dawn incident occurred in Zhenxiong County, Yunnan province, burying 18 homes and prompting the evacuation of over 200 residents, as reported by state media.

Rescue efforts, involving around 200 rescue workers, dozens of fire engines, and various equipment, have been underway. According to a report by state broadcaster CCTV around 5:30 pm (0930 GMT), eight people have been confirmed dead, and rescuers have successfully extracted four individuals, although their conditions remain unclear.

Eyewitnesses described the terrifying moment of the landslide. One resident, speaking to the state-run Beijing News under a pseudonym, mentioned being asleep when the disaster struck, with parts of her ceiling collapsing onto her head.

Another local resident, also quoted anonymously, initially mistook the event for an earthquake but later realized it was the collapse of a hillslope.

Images shared on social media depicted emergency workers in orange jumpsuits and helmets outside a fire station, facing snowflakes swirling through the air.

Additional photos revealed rescuers sifting through large piles of collapsed structures, where a few personal belongings were visible.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for “all-out” rescue efforts, demanding the swift organization of rescue forces to minimize casualties.