Major landslide in China's Chongqing leaves multiple people trapped under rubble

A significant landslide has struck south-western China's Chongqing province, with state media reporting that people remain trapped under rubble and several residential buildings have sustained substantial damage in what represents the latest natural disaster to affect the mountainous region.

According to China's state broadcaster CCTV, the incident occurred in Chongqing, a sprawling municipality in the south-western interior that has long been vulnerable to geological hazards due to its topography. Footage from the scene depicts large boulders strewn across roadways, collapsed residential structures, and residents fleeing the affected area.

Extent of damage remains unclear as rescue efforts commence

Officials have not yet confirmed whether there have been any fatalities, though the scale of destruction visible in initial reports suggests significant casualties remain possible. The collapsed buildings and volume of debris indicate the landslide struck with considerable force, likely affecting multiple households simultaneously.

Emergency response teams are understood to be mobilising in the region, though specific details regarding rescue operations and the number of people unaccounted for have not yet been disclosed by authorities.

Chongqing faces recurring geological hazards

The disaster underscores ongoing challenges faced by communities in China's south-western provinces, where steep mountainous terrain and seasonal heavy rainfall create persistent conditions for landslides and other geological hazards. Chongqing, with a population exceeding 30 million, regularly experiences such incidents, particularly during the summer monsoon season.

State broadcaster CCTV reports that people are buried under rubble and several residential buildings have been damaged in the incident

Climate patterns and rapid urbanisation in the region have intensified vulnerability to such disasters, with informal settlements and hastily constructed buildings in hillside areas particularly at risk during periods of intense precipitation.

International implications and response monitoring

This incident will be closely monitored by disaster management authorities internationally, including those in Australia, where landslide risks in certain regions similarly demand constant vigilance. The event highlights the broader challenges confronting densely populated mountainous regions in managing natural hazard risk.

Further updates are expected as Chinese authorities assess the full extent of damage and complete initial rescue operations. Original reporting from ABC News