Search continues after landslide horror in Guizhou
- Source: Global Times
- [02:02 June 30 2010]
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By Huang Jingjing
Rescuers search for survivors at the scene of a landslide in Dazhai Village of Gangwu Township of Guanling County, in southwest China's Guizhou Province, June 29, 2010. The rescue work is still underway as some 107 people from 38 families were buried by a rainstorm-triggered landslide here Monday afternoon, according to officials at the local rescue headquarters. Photo: Xinhua
A child's body was recovered from under debris Tuesday afternoon following a massive landslide that buried 107 villagers in Guizhou Province Monday afternoon.
The child, yet to be identified, was the first victim retrieved following the disaster that was triggered by heavy rains, a rescue headquarters spokesman told the Xinhua News Agency.
Search and rescue work was hindered by continuous rain that created hazardous conditions.
Survivors made a list of 62 victims. The list, which may not be accurate, was handed over to rescuers.
The disaster occurred at about 2:30 pm Monday.
Wei Xuedao, a local villager who survived the disaster, recalled the horrible scene in front of his eyes.
Wei said he heard a loud noise while he was working in his farm and then suddenly saw the mountain in the back of the village collapsing, followed by rolling rocks and water, according to China News Service.
Wei ran toward his house to inform his mother, wife and three children. However, he got there only in time to see the mudslide burying his house.
Two sectors in Dazhai village, Gangwu township, were buried, leaving 107 people from 38 families trapped under the mud, which covered 1.5 kilometers or the length of about 10 football fields.
"Though the chance of survival is slim, we will not give up. The rescue effort is advancing," Pi Yinfang, the rescue team's spokeswoman, told the Global Times Tuesday.
Chinese Vice Premier Hui Liangyu visited the site Tuesday to oversee the rescue work.
