A devastating landslide in China’s southwestern Yunnan province has claimed at least two lives, with dozens still missing. The incident occurred in Zhaotong city at 05:51 local time on Monday, trapping 47 people under the debris. 

President Xi Jinping has issued an “all-out” rescue order in the area, which is experiencing sub-zero temperatures.

According to the BBC, state broadcaster CCTV reported the recovery of two “unresponsive” bodies from the rubble. Video clips circulated on social media depict rescuers navigating piles of rubble against a backdrop of snow-covered mountains, with personal belongings scattered among collapsed structures.

Residents of Liangshui village, where the landslide struck, shared harrowing accounts. 

A local resident told Jimu News, “It was very loud, and there was also a shake, it felt like a big earthquake.” The remote mountainous region is susceptible to landslides, and floods are common due to its geographical location. Additionally, the area hosts numerous coal mines.

Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing is leading a workgroup to the site to guide rescue efforts. In a similar incident in January 2013, at least 18 people lost their lives in a landslide in the same county of Zhenxiong.

The situation remains dynamic, with rescue teams working tirelessly in the challenging conditions to locate and aid those trapped by the landslide.