At least 31 people have been killed in a massive landslide that trapped the workers of an under-construction hydropower project in southeast China even as rescuers Monday pulled out two persons alive from under the about one lakh cubic metres of mud and debris.
Seven people were still listed missing following the landslide triggered by heavy rain, while authorities said the continuing downpour was affecting the rescue operation.
Thirty-one bodies have been found after the massive landslide hit the construction site of the hydropower station in Taining County in Fujian Province.
Two people were pulled out alive, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.
The landslide brought down about one lakh cubic metres of mud and rocks, burying a temporary shed at the construction site and damaging offices.
“We were still asleep when the mountains began to jolt very strongly and before we know it, sand and mud were flowing into our room,” said Deng Chunwu, who survived the landslide by hiding underneath a supporting pole along with three other people in their work camp.
“We were still asleep when the mountains began to jolt very strongly and before we know it, sand and mud are flowing into our room.” Deng added that their room has been pushed 10 metres further by the flowing mud.
“It’s been raining all the time over the past couple of days and I didn’t think it was a big deal,” Deng said.
Heavy rain has made rescue work more difficult, and according to Zheng Guoen, deputy head of the provincial drought and flood control office, residents in the area need to be evacuated soon to avoid more geological disasters.
Rescuers are also working to clear the roads leading to the landslide site after multiple cave-ins. Boulders, mud and twisted steel bars are scattered around the landslide site. Sniffer dogs are working alongside over 600 rescuers to help detect any signs of life from the debris. Dozens of excavators are digging through the pile, the report said.
Dozens of ambulances and army vehicles are on standby should anyone is recovered from the debris.
Intermittent rainfall have complicated the rescue efforts.
