In response to a devastating landslide in Yibin City, Sichuan Province, Chinese President Xi Jinping has mandated an all-out search and rescue operation to save over 30 missing individuals. The tragedy occurred on Saturday morning in Jinping Village, burying 10 houses and leaving many people stranded.
President Xi, who also serves as the general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, emphasized the urgency of thorough rescue efforts. He highlighted the importance of effective aftermath management and the enhancement of disaster monitoring and early warning systems to prevent future incidents.
In his directive, Xi called for the implementation of scientific rescue methods to avoid secondary disasters. He stressed that all local authorities and relevant departments must increase risk awareness, conduct comprehensive hazard inspections, enforce responsibility measures, and take decisive actions to safeguard lives and property.
Premier Li Qiang echoed the president's sentiments, urging swift actions to rescue those trapped and mitigate casualties. Li also underscored the need for a prompt investigation into the landslide's cause, assessment of surrounding geological risks, and relocation of residents in high-risk areas to prevent further tragedies.
Vice Premier Liu Guozhong has taken the lead on-site, coordinating rescue and relief operations. The Ministry of Natural Resources and the Ministry of Emergency Management have activated emergency protocols, while both the Sichuan provincial and Yibin municipal governments have mobilized resources to support ongoing rescue and disaster relief initiatives.
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Xi orders all-out rescue of people missing in SW China's landslide
cgtn.com
