Early Monday, Luanping County in Chengde City, northern Hebei Province in the Chinese mainland was struck by a sudden landslide after days of relentless rain. According to local authorities, eight residents lost their lives, and four others remain unaccounted for as of Tuesday noon.
Rescue teams have been racing against time, using heavy machinery and search dogs to comb through the debris. Local authorities say efforts will continue around the clock until every missing person is found.
Residents describe a fierce downpour in the hours before the collapse, turning slopes into slippery, unstable terrain. Such incidents underscore how vulnerable communities are to extreme weather events—an issue shared by mountainous regions worldwide.
As aftershocks of the disaster, authorities are monitoring nearby hillsides for signs of further movement and urging locals to stay vigilant. Support crews have also been dispatched to set up temporary shelters and provide basic supplies to those affected.
The tragedy in Hebei reflects a growing global challenge: adapting to unpredictable weather patterns and ensuring rapid emergency response in remote areas. For now, all eyes remain on the rescue operation as the search continues for the missing.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
