**Eight Killed, At Least 34 Missing After Landslide in China’s Chongqing**
Chongqing, China - A devastating landslide in Pengshui county, a part of the southwestern city of Chongqing, has resulted in the deaths of eight individuals and left at least 34 others unaccounted for. The incident occurred on Friday, July 17, 2026, at approximately 9:10 AM local time (01:10 GMT), as reported by Chinese authorities.
The landslide struck a residential and commercial area, burying homes under a significant amount of debris, including rocks and dirt. Footage from state media outlet CCTV displayed the extensive damage, with a large section of the street covered by the landslide.
Rescue operations commenced promptly, with over 800 rescue workers deployed to the site. So far, ten individuals have been rescued from the debris, among whom two are reported to be in serious condition. The rescue efforts are ongoing as authorities work tirelessly to locate the missing individuals.
In response to the disaster, local authorities have taken precautionary measures by cutting off water, electricity, and gas supplies within a one-kilometer radius of the landslide site to prevent further hazards. Additionally, more than 8,000 disaster relief items, including tents, folding beds, and family emergency kits, have been sent to assist those affected by the landslide.
The region where the landslide occurred is characterized by steep and unpredictable terrain, which local officials have described as potentially dangerous due to loose rocks along the cliffs. This geographical feature has raised concerns about the stability of the area and the safety of ongoing rescue operations.
In light of the tragedy, the Chinese government has allocated 50 million yuan (approximately $7.36 million) in natural disaster relief funds to support rescue and relief efforts and to provide assistance to those impacted by the landslide. Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged officials to conduct the search and rescue operations systematically and to investigate the causes of the disaster thoroughly.
This landslide is part of a troubling trend of natural disasters in China, as earlier this month, another landslide in the western province of Gansu resulted in the deaths of 21 people. The frequency of such incidents highlights the challenges posed by the country's varied topography and the need for effective disaster preparedness and response strategies.
As rescue operations continue in Chongqing, the focus remains on locating the missing individuals and providing support to the affected families. The community is rallying together in the wake of this tragedy, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity.