BEIJING — The death toll from a landslide in southwestern China has risen to 51, with 10 people still reported missing, according to authorities on Thursday, July 30, 2026.

The landslide occurred on July 17 in Pengshui County, Chongqing, sweeping away several residential buildings at the foot of a mountain and along a riverbank. State media footage showed a massive pile of rocks and earth collapsing into a residential and commercial street.

Pengshui officials stated on social media, "Currently 51 people have been found and confirmed dead, and 10 people are still missing."

More than 1,100 residents were safely evacuated, and 10 people were rescued, including three who were briefly hospitalized. A large-scale search and recovery operation involving over 1,080 rescue personnel has been ongoing since the incident.

Rescuers faced significant challenges during the 325-hour operation, including navigating massive boulders, elevation changes, tight spaces, and high temperatures.

Efforts to support and comfort victims' families, provide assistance and relief, and manage resettlement and post-disaster arrangements are progressing in an orderly manner.

This landslide occurred less than two weeks after another landslide in northwestern Gansu province buried 33 people and left 21 dead.

Sources