CHINA

Massive Landslide in Southwestern China Leaves 8 Dead, 34 Missing

Published: Jul. 20, 2026 4:35 p.m. GMT+8

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A sudden landslide occurred near the Third Wujiang Bridge in Hanjia subdistrict, Pengshui Miao and Tujia Autonomous County, Chongqing, at 9:08 a.m. on July 17, causing multiple residential buildings to collapse and leaving several people buried. Photo: CCTV

A massive landslide leveled residential buildings in southwestern China, killing at least eight people and leaving 34 others missing as the region grapples with the peak of its seasonal flood risk.

The collapse occurred the morning of July 17 in the mountainous municipality of Chongqing. Thousands of tons of rock cascaded into a residential strip along the Wujiang River, pushing debris and parts of buildings into the water.

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Explore the story in 30 seconds

Landslide in Chongqing: 8 dead, 34 missing; 18 rescued, 1,100 evacuated.
Geologists attribute to prolonged weathering and heavy rain, with 18,000 m³ rock sheared.
Search hampered by 6,000 m³ loose rock overhead; 800+ rescuers deployed.
Search hampered by 6,000 m³ loose rock overhead; 800+ rescuers deployed.

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What Happened When

Before July 17, 2026, ~8:08 a.m.：: Community worker spots small falling rocks and triggers emergency alert, prompting evacuation of more than 60 people.

July 17, 2026：: Landslide kills at least 8 people and leaves 34 missing; 18 people pulled from rubble; 13 houses and apartment blocks struck; more than 1,100 residents evacuated; water, power, and gas supplies severed within 1 km radius.

July 17, 2026：: China's Ministry of Emergency Management launches Level-II national emergency response; Minister Zhang Chengzhong dispatched to oversee operation; more than 800 personnel involved in rescue, including 200 firefighters and specialized disaster and mining rescue teams.

July 17, 2026, 9:08 a.m.：: Massive landslide levels residential buildings in Hanjia subdistrict, Pengshui Miao and Tujia Autonomous County, Chongqing, near the Third Wujiang Bridge.

Late on July 17, 2026：: Rescue teams continue search late into the night; experts estimate 5,000-6,000 cubic meters of loose rock remains perilously above the site.

AI generated, for reference only