A serene morning in Liangshui, a quaint village in Yunnan province, was shattered by a devastating landslide, plunging the community into chaos and despair.

A cliff-top area's collapse in Liangshui has led to at least 11 deaths, burying 47 people and sparking a desperate search for survivors amidst adverse weather conditions.

The landslide struck early Monday, just before the break of dawn. It engulfed the village, sweeping away 18 homes in its wake. By nightfall, 11 victims had been tragically recovered from the debris.

The plight of the villagers

Luo Dongmei, a 35-year-old resident, recounts the terrifying moment the landslide hit. She and her family were asleep when they were jolted awake by the disaster unfolding around them. Luo and her family are now among the 500 villagers evacuated from the area, seeking refuge in a school building.

“I was asleep, but my brother knocked on the door and woke me up. They said there was a landslide and the bed was shaking, so they rushed upstairs and woke us up,” said Luo Dongmei, narrating the harrowing ordeal.

The evacuated residents, while safe, face new challenges. With only necessities like food provided, they await further assistance such as blankets and cold-weather gear. Luo, in particular, is tormented by uncertainty as she has lost contact with her sister and aunt, who lived near the landslide site.

The rescue operations, led by the Ministry of Emergency Management, are under the vigilant eye of Minister Wang Xiangxi. Despite their relentless efforts, the rescuers face formidable obstacles due to the inclement weather. Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures are hampering the search for survivors, with harsh conditions expected to persist for several days.

Understanding the magnitude of the disaster

According to the Zhenxiong county publicity department and state news agency Xinhua, the landslide was triggered by the collapse of a cliff-top area, measuring approximately 100 meters wide, 60 meters high, and 6 meters thick. The precise cause of the cliff's collapse remains undetermined, adding an element of uncertainty to the tragedy.

This incident is not isolated in China's history of landslides. The country frequently faces such disasters, often attributed to heavy rains or substandard construction practices. In the previous year alone, landslides claimed the lives of at least 70 individuals across the nation.

Zhenxiong County, located about 2,250 kilometers southwest of Beijing, is characterized by its high altitude, reaching up to 2,400 meters. This geographical feature, combined with recent heavy snowfalls, poses additional risks and challenges in the region for residents and emergency response teams.

Comparative incidents and growing concerns

Just last week, over 1,000 individuals were rescued from avalanches in a skiing area in northwestern China, highlighting the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters in the country. This growing trend raises concerns about preparedness and response capabilities in regions prone to such calamities.

China's vulnerability to natural disasters was starkly highlighted last year, with 691 people reported dead or missing. The economic impact of these disasters was profound, amounting to approximately 345 billion yuan in losses.

Lessons to learn from this tragedy

Every disaster leaves behind important lessons, and this tragic landslide in Liangshui is no exception. Here are some vital takeaways:

1. Emergency Preparedness: Residents in high-risk areas should have emergency plans and supplies ready. This includes knowing evacuation routes and having a communication plan with family members.
2. Understanding Geographical Risks: Knowledge of the local terrain and its susceptibility to landslides can be crucial. Areas with steep slopes, especially those recently affected by heavy rainfall or snow, should be monitored carefully.
3. Building Resilience: Infrastructure in vulnerable areas should be built to withstand natural disasters. This includes robust construction practices and early warning systems.
4. Community Support: In the wake of such disasters, community support plays a vital role. Donating to relief efforts and providing emotional support to affected individuals are key ways to help.

It's important to remember that, despite taking precautions, disasters can strike anyone. Blaming victims for their plight is both unjust and unproductive.

Why this story matters

This story is a poignant reminder of nature's unpredictable and often devastating power. It underscores the importance of disaster preparedness and response for individuals and authorities. The impact on the local community is profound, affecting the physical landscape and the emotional and social fabric. This tragedy serves as a call to action for better planning, infrastructure, and support systems to mitigate the effects of such disasters in the future.

• The landslide in Liangshui, Yunnan province, resulted in at least 11 deaths and buried 47 people.
• Rescue operations are ongoing in challenging weather conditions, with two survivors rescued so far.
• 500 people were evacuated, and 18 homes were affected.
• Luo Dongmei and other residents are in temporary shelters, waiting for further assistance.
• The landslide highlights the broader issue of natural disasters in China and the need for improved preparedness and infrastructure.