Emergency teams are racing against time in southwest China's Guizhou Province after two landslides struck Dafang County on Thursday, trapping an unconfirmed number of residents. Local authorities confirmed to China Media Group (CMG) that two individuals remain trapped in Changshi Township, with multiple others affected in Guowa Township.
Heavy machinery and rescue personnel have been deployed to both locations, with operations continuing through the night. The landslides occurred amid recent heavy rainfall, raising concerns about further geological risks in the mountainous region.
"All available resources are being mobilized to ensure residents' safety," a local emergency management official stated, emphasizing coordination between fire services, medical teams, and geological experts. Provincial authorities have activated Level III emergency response protocols, the third-highest in China's four-tier system.
The incident highlights ongoing challenges in China's disaster preparedness systems, particularly in remote rural areas. Guizhou Province, known for its karst landscapes and vulnerable ecosystems, has seen increased infrastructure development in recent years as part of national poverty alleviation efforts.
