One person has died and 11 others remain missing after torrential rain triggered a mudslide in a town in China’s Jiangxi Province early Saturday, according to local authorities.
The landslide struck Gaoping Town in Suichuan County at around 4am local time on Saturday after heavy rainfall associated with Typhoon Saudel. The mudslide damaged 12 houses, according to a statement from the county government.
Emergency crews were sent to the area to search for people believed to be trapped beneath debris. State broadcaster CCTV reported that more than 10 people were trapped following the landslide.
Local authorities confirmed one death as rescue operations continued, while 11 people remained unaccounted for.
The severe weather has brought dangerous conditions to parts of the region, with heavy rainfall increasing the risk of flooding, landslides and other weather-related disasters.
The mudslide occurred in a residential area of Gaoping Town, where the force of the earth and water damaged homes and left residents in need of emergency assistance. Rescue teams were working to assess the extent of the damage and locate those still missing.
China frequently experiences severe flooding and landslides during periods of intense rainfall, particularly in areas where steep terrain can cause saturated soil to become unstable.
Typhoons can intensify these risks by bringing large amounts of rain over a short period, increasing pressure on hillsides and raising the likelihood of landslides.
Authorities have yet to provide further details about the identities of those killed or missing, or whether additional homes and infrastructure were damaged.
Rescue and recovery efforts are expected to continue as emergency workers search the affected area. Officials are also assessing conditions around the town to determine whether further evacuations or other safety measures are required.
The incident comes as China continues to monitor the effects of Typhoon Saudel and heavy rainfall across affected areas. Weather-related emergencies can develop rapidly during major storms, making landslide-prone communities particularly vulnerable.
Local authorities have urged residents in affected areas to follow safety instructions and remain alert as emergency operations continue.
The priority remains finding the missing people and ensuring the safety of residents in and around Gaoping Town while officials assess the full impact of the mudslide.
