Authorities in Pengshui County report 51 confirmed deaths and 10 people still missing following a July 17 landslide that destroyed residential and commercial buildings.

The death toll from a landslide that struck Pengshui County in southwestern China on July 17 has risen to 51, with 10 individuals still reported missing. Local authorities confirmed the updated figures on Thursday, July 30, following a massive search and recovery operation that has spanned over 325 hours.

Rescue Operations and Challenges

The disaster, which occurred at the foot of a mountain and along a riverbank, buried a residential and commercial street under a significant volume of earth and rock. More than 1,080 rescue personnel were deployed to the site, utilizing underwater divers, robots, and controlled blasting to clear over 330,000 cubic metres of debris. Rescuers faced difficult conditions throughout the operation, including high temperatures, tight spaces, and shifting elevation levels. While 10 people were successfully rescued, including three who required brief hospitalization, officials had previously indicated last week that there were no remaining signs of life at the site. In addition to the casualties, over 1,100 residents were safely evacuated from the area.

Ongoing Recovery Efforts

Officials stated that post-disaster arrangements, including resettlement and support for the families of victims, are currently underway. This incident follows another landslide that occurred less than two weeks prior in Gansu province, which resulted in 21 deaths and left 33 people buried.