Heavy landslip in China claims life, dozens missing

A deadly landslip triggered by heavy rainfall struck Jinping hamlet in Yibin, southwest China, on February 8, claiming at least one life and leaving 28 people missing. 

The disaster occurred at approximately 11:50 a.m. local time (0350 GMT), as continuous rainfall worsened geological conditions, Caliber.Az reports via Chinese media outlets.

Rescue efforts were underway with over 900 responders deployed to search for survivors. Two individuals were rescued on the day of the disaster, but the remaining missing persons are feared to be buried under the debris. 

The landslip is part of a growing pattern of extreme weather events in China, which has been struck by severe flooding and record-high temperatures in recent months. Scientists have pointed to climate change as a driving factor behind the increased frequency and severity of such natural disasters.

President Xi Jinping has ordered a full-scale rescue operation and called for all efforts to minimize casualties and handle the aftermath of the tragedy. "We must do everything possible to search for and rescue missing people," Xi said in a directive on Saturday.

By Khagan Isayev