Sun Feb 09 02:32:16 UTC 2025: ## China Launches Massive Rescue Operation After Landslide Buries Homes
**Beijing, February 9, 2025** – A massive landslide in southwestern China’s Sichuan province has left at least 29 people missing and triggered a large-scale rescue operation. The disaster, which struck Jinping Village in Junlian County on Saturday, buried 10 houses and a manufacturing facility under tons of debris.
Heavy rainfall and unstable geological conditions are blamed for the landslide, which created a debris flow stretching 1.2 kilometers. Authorities estimate the debris volume exceeds 100,000 cubic meters. While two injured survivors have been pulled from the rubble, hundreds of residents were evacuated.
President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang have expressed deep concern and ordered a full-scale investigation into the incident, urging authorities to prioritize the search for the missing and prevent future disasters. An investigation into potential geological hazards in surrounding areas has also been launched. The government has allocated 80 million yuan (approximately $11 million USD) for relief and recovery efforts.
A villager reported that rocks had been rolling down the mountain since late 2024, prompting a geological survey late last year. This highlights concerns about potential early warning signs that may have been overlooked.
Landslides are a recurring problem in China, often attributed to heavy rainfall and inadequate construction practices. Last year, a similar incident in Yunnan province resulted in numerous fatalities. The ongoing rescue efforts in Sichuan continue amidst the ongoing search for the missing individuals.
First Piper 