Image Credit: Xinhua News Agency
Eight people were killed, and 19 others remained missing as of 2:30 p.m. Sunday following a flash flood and mudslide in Kangding, Sichuan Province, southwest China, local authorities reported. The disaster struck at approximately 3:30 a.m. Saturday in Kangding, part of the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Garze, toppling a tunnel bridge and destroying homes in Ridi Village. This village, situated in a valley at an altitude of 1,300 meters, is flanked by mountains soaring over 5,000 meters above sea level.
According to local reports, six people were confirmed dead and 11 others missing in Ridi Village. Additionally, the collapse of the bridge between tunnels led to four vehicles plummeting, resulting in two deaths. One individual was rescued and hospitalized, while eight others remain unaccounted for, the local rescue headquarters stated.
In response to the disaster, local authorities quickly organized a comprehensive rescue operation. As of now, 1,554 rescuers have been deployed, working tirelessly to locate the missing and provide aid to those affected. Their efforts have also ensured the relocation and resettlement of 939 residents impacted by the disaster.
The swift response and the extensive deployment of rescuers underscore the severity of the disaster and the urgency of the rescue operations. The challenging terrain and the magnitude of the mudslide have complicated rescue efforts, but teams remain committed to finding the missing individuals and providing necessary aid to survivors.
As the search continues, the community in Kangding is coming together to support the affected families, demonstrating resilience and solidarity in the face of this tragedy. Local authorities have assured that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure the safety and well-being of the residents.