Developing | 500 evacuated as rescuers search for more than 40 trapped in China village landslide
More than 500 people have been evacuated from a village in southwestern China as rescue workers scrabble to reach 47 of their neighbours who were buried under a landslide early on Monday morning.
State broadcaster CCTV reported that 18 homes were in the path of the landslide which struck Liangshui village in Zhaotong city’s Zhenxiong county, Yunnan province at 5.51am.
According to the state media report, more than 200 rescue personnel, 33 fire trucks and 10 loaders were mobilised to carry out search and rescue operations in freezing conditions.
Some of the houses were on the mountainside, while others were located at the foot of the mountain. The area’s terrain is known for its steep slopes and high mountains.
CCTV reported that the village experienced heavy snowfall on Sunday night, which had subdued but continued on Monday. Temperatures are expected to remain at around 0 degrees Celsius (32 Fahrenheit), it said.
Local state newspaper Yunnan Daily is reporting that Wang Yubo, head of the provincial administration, has led a working group to the scene.
More to follow…
