A massive landslide struck southwest China’s Chongqing city on Friday, burying residential buildings, forcing more than 1,100 residents to evacuate and leaving an unknown number of people trapped, according to Chinese state media. Rescue teams were deployed immediately as authorities continued search and relief operations in the affected area. The landslide occurred at around 9:08 am in Pengshui County, located in the southeastern part of Chongqing, state broadcaster CCTV reported. Large amounts of rocks and soil reportedly collapsed down the mountainside, damaging and burying more than 10 residential buildings in the area.

Footage released by CCTV showed a section of the mountain collapsing onto a residential zone, with debris spreading across nearby areas. Rescue workers were seen searching through piles of mud and rubble as they attempted to locate people who may have been trapped. At least 10 people were rescued from the debris, CCTV said, while the exact number of missing individuals remained unclear. Authorities said rescue operations were continuing despite difficult conditions caused by unstable terrain and the ongoing risk of additional landslides.

Images from the site showed large rocks sliding alongside residential buildings and falling into a nearby waterway. Two damaged buildings, estimated to be around five and 15 storeys tall, were still standing despite being affected by the collapse. The landslide was triggered by heavy rainfall and occurred near a section of the Wujiang River, which flows through a mountainous region known for its karst landscape, small settlements and agricultural terraces. The area’s steep terrain and weather conditions have increased the risk of geological disasters during periods of heavy rain.

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Authorities have suspended water, electricity and gas supplies within a one-kilometre radius of the affected area as a precautionary measure. Several power poles were buried in the landslide, causing disruptions to electricity services in parts of the region. The Chongqing authorities have dispatched more than 8,000 disaster-relief items, including tents, folding beds and emergency family supply kits, to support evacuated residents. Rescue and relief teams are also working to assess damage and provide assistance to affected communities. Pengshui County, where the incident took place, lies along the border areas near Hubei and Guizhou provinces.

The region has experienced landslides and other weather-related hazards in the past due to its mountainous geography and seasonal rainfall patterns. China frequently faces geological disasters during periods of intense rainfall, particularly in mountainous areas where unstable slopes can lead to sudden landslides. Authorities have increased monitoring and emergency response efforts in vulnerable regions to reduce casualties and protect residents. As rescue operations continue, officials are expected to provide further updates on casualties, missing persons and the extent of damage caused by the landslide. The immediate focus remains on locating trapped residents, stabilising the affected area and preventing further collapses.

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