21 Killed in Deadly Landslide in China’s Gansu Province, Rescue Operations Continue

At least 21 people have lost their lives and seven others were injured after a landslide struck Tanchang County in northwest China's Gansu Province, local authorities said on Wednesday. According to the Longnan Municipal Government, the injured are receiving treatment at local hospitals and their condition is reported to be stable. The landslide occurred at around 6:56 a.m. on Tuesday in Renzang Village of Nanhe Township, Longnan City, trapping a total of 33 people. Rescue teams managed to save five people safely from the affected area. Following the disaster, emergency response teams, including firefighters, police personnel, and other rescue workers, were quickly deployed to the site. According to reports, China's Ministry of Natural Resources activated a Level III geological disaster emergency response and dispatched a special task force to oversee and guide rescue and relief operations. A total of 345 rescue personnel and 10 search dogs have been deployed as search operations continue in the affected region. Authorities are continuing efforts to locate any remaining victims. The Gansu Provincial Health Commission also dispatched four emergency medical teams comprising 13 medical professionals. The teams include specialists in intensive care, trauma treatment, and pediatric care to provide immediate medical assistance. In addition, three specialists in intensive care, orthopedics, and general surgery from Gansu Provincial People's Hospital were sent to lead on-site medical treatment. Local authorities have opened green channels for emergency medical care and established a remote consultation platform to support rescue and treatment efforts. China remains highly vulnerable to landslides, as nearly 69 percent of its land area consists of mountainous or plateau regions. The country's active tectonic zones, fragile soil conditions, and intense monsoon rainfall significantly increase the risk of such natural disasters.