Yibin, Indonesia Sentinel — A devastating landslide struck Jinping village in Yibin, Sichuan province, China, on Saturday, February 8, 2025, leaving at least 30 people missing and forcing the evacuation of 200 residents. The disaster, which occurred at approximately 11:50 a.m. local time (0350 GMT), buried ten homes under tons of debris.
According to reports from state broadcaster CCTV, search and rescue teams are working against time to locate survivors. The Chinese government has launched a large-scale emergency response, with President Xi Jinping instructing authorities to spare no effort in rescue operations and minimize casualties.
Rescue Efforts Hampered by Ongoing Landslides
Emergency response teams are facing significant challenges as landslides continue to pose a threat in the affected area. Officials have urged residents to stay away from the site to avoid further casualties.
China’s Ministry of Emergency Management confirmed that two individuals have been rescued so far, but many remain unaccounted for. Local authorities have deployed hundreds of personnel, including firefighters, military units, and medical teams, to assist in search and rescue efforts.
Government Mobilizes Aid for Affected Residents
The Chinese government has allocated 30 million yuan (approximately $4.1 million) in disaster relief funds to support rescue operations and provide immediate assistance to displaced residents. Temporary shelters have been set up to accommodate those forced to flee their homes.
Xi Jinping has emphasized the importance of ensuring adequate care for survivors and those affected by the disaster. Relief agencies are also working to provide food, water, and medical aid to those in need.
Extreme Weather Linked to Increased Landslides
China frequently experiences landslides, particularly in mountainous regions like Sichuan, which are prone to heavy rainfall and seismic activity. While the exact cause of the Jinping landslide remains unclear, experts suggest that prolonged wet weather may have contributed to the disaster.
Sichuan province, home to over 80 million people, has a history of deadly landslides and earthquakes. In 2008, a massive earthquake in Wenchuan, about 200 miles from Yibin, killed nearly 70,000 people. More recently, landslides in the region have claimed dozens of lives annually.
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Uncertainty Over Casualty Figures
As of now, no official death toll has been released. Authorities are continuing to assess the extent of the damage and the number of people affected. The rescue operation remains ongoing, with emergency teams working around the clock to locate missing residents.
With concerns growing over the potential for further landslides, officials have placed nearby areas on high alert. Geologists and disaster management experts are monitoring the situation closely to prevent further loss of life.
The Jinping landslide adds to the growing list of natural disasters that have struck China in recent years. As climate change increases the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, experts stress the need for improved early warning systems and disaster preparedness measures.
For now, families of the missing await news, while rescue workers continue their race against time in the rubble-strewn landscape of Jinping.
(Becky)
