At least 30 people are missing following a landslide in south-western China, according to reports from Chinese state media.
The disaster struck Jinping village in Sichuan province at 11:50 am local time (03:50 GMT), engulfing 10 houses and trapping several residents beneath the debris. So far, two individuals have been rescued.
Authorities have set up a command centre at the site, the county’s emergency management bureau confirmed in a statement.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered an “all-out” effort to rescue those still trapped.
The Ministry of Emergency Management revealed that hundreds of emergency workers are engaged in the search for survivors.
President Xi directed officials to “do everything possible to search and rescue missing people, minimise casualties and properly handle the aftermath,” as reported by the official Xinhua news agency.
Meanwhile, Chinese Premier Li Qiang has called for an investigation into potential geological hazards in nearby areas and stressed the need to evacuate residents at risk to prevent further disasters, according to Xinhua via the AP news agency.
To support recovery efforts, 50 million yuan ($6.9 million; £5.5 million) has been allocated from central government funds to repair damaged infrastructure and public services.
The mountainous regions of south-west China are known for being vulnerable to landslides.
In January 2024, a steep cliff collapse in Yunnan province led to the deaths of dozens of villagers. A similar tragedy occurred in January 2013, killing at least 18 people in the same region.
