BREAKING NEWS: Deadly Landslide in Southwest China Kills 8, Leaves 34 Missing

Published: July 18, 2026

A massive landslide has struck Pengshui County on the outskirts of Chongqing, southwest China, killing at least eight people and leaving 34 others missing, according to Chinese authorities.

The disaster occurred on Friday morning when a huge section of a mountainside suddenly collapsed, sending tons of mud, rocks, and debris crashing into a residential area. More than 10 homes were completely buried, trapping residents beneath the rubble.

Emergency services have launched a large-scale search and rescue operation involving over 800 firefighters, police officers, medical personnel, and disaster response teams. Heavy machinery, drones, and rescue dogs are being used in a race against time to locate survivors.

Officials confirmed that 10 people have been rescued, including several who sustained injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. Rescue efforts continue despite unstable ground and the ongoing risk of additional landslides.

As a precaution, authorities have evacuated more than 1,100 residents living near the disaster zone. Temporary shelters have been established while emergency supplies, food, water, and medical assistance are being distributed to affected families.

Preliminary reports suggest that days of heavy rainfall may have weakened the mountainside, triggering the catastrophic collapse. Authorities are continuing to investigate the exact cause.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for an all-out rescue effort and urged local officials to prioritize saving lives while strengthening disaster monitoring in vulnerable regions.

The death toll is expected to rise as rescue teams continue searching through the debris for the dozens of people still unaccounted for.

Residents in nearby mountainous communities have been urged to remain alert and follow all evacuation instructions as authorities monitor the area for further geological hazards.

This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.