In a tragic turn of events, southwestern China’s Guizhou province was struck by two devastating landslides on Thursday, claiming at least four lives and leaving 17 people unaccounted for, according to local authorities. The disasters occurred in Dafang County, under the jurisdiction of Bijie city, disrupting the lives of residents in this rugged, mountainous region.
The first landslide hit Changshi township in the early hours, around 3:00 AM local time, trapping two individuals. Just hours later, at approximately 9:00 AM, a second landslide struck Guowa township, engulfing 19 people. The affected areas, characterized by steep terrain and dense forests, have posed significant challenges to rescue operations.
Drone imagery revealed the extent of the destruction, with thick layers of mud smothering agricultural fields and pooling at the base of forested hills. Villages in the affected areas have been left grappling with the aftermath, as the landslides disrupted local infrastructure and livelihoods.
Guizhou’s provincial government swiftly escalated its response, activating a Level II emergency protocol to address the geological disaster. China’s Ministry of Natural Resources deployed a specialized team to coordinate rescue efforts, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. The emergency management ministry called for exhaustive efforts to locate and save the missing individuals, despite the difficult conditions.
Rescue teams are battling treacherous terrain, described as “high and steep,” which has complicated efforts to reach those trapped. Authorities have not yet released details on the cause of the landslides, but Guizhou’s mountainous geography and seasonal weather patterns often contribute to such disasters.
As rescue operations continue, local communities and officials remain on high alert, bracing for the possibility of further geological instability. The priority remains finding the 17 missing individuals and providing support to those affected by this tragic event.
