Watch: Deadly landslide strikes China, dozens remain missing

At least eight people have died and 34 remain missing following a powerful landslide that buried residential buildings in southwest China's Chongqing municipality on Friday. The disaster struck Pengshui Miao and Tujia Autonomous County around 9:08 am, occurring after local officials had reported sporadic rockfalls and initiated resident evacuations about an hour prior.

Despite early warnings, a massive volume of rock and mud cascaded down the mountainside, engulfing more than 10 residential buildings near the Wujiang River. Authorities confirmed that 18 people were rescued, including two with serious injuries. Over 1,100 residents from surrounding areas were safely evacuated. To mitigate further risks, water, electricity, and gas supplies were cut within a one-kilometer radius of the site.

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President Xi Jinping called for search and rescue operations to be carried out "in a scientific manner" and urged every effort to locate those still trapped.

More than 800 rescuers, including fire crews and specialist teams, are engaged in the search for survivors. However, operations are hampered by unstable ground conditions and the threat of additional landslides. Forecasted thunderstorms in the region are expected to further complicate rescue efforts. China's Ministry of Emergency Management has activated a Level II national emergency response, dispatching a working group led by the minister to oversee the situation. The ministries of finance and emergency management have jointly allocated 50 million yuan (approximately $6.9 million) in disaster relief funds to support rescue operations and provide essential supplies.

President Xi Jinping called for search and rescue operations to be conducted in a "scientific manner" and urged all possible efforts to locate those still trapped. Premier Li Qiang directed authorities to prioritize the treatment of the injured, relocate affected residents, and implement measures to prevent secondary disasters amid ongoing heavy rains in southwest China.

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Premier Li Qiang directed authorities to treat the injured, relocate affected residents and take steps to prevent secondary disasters as heavy rain continues to threaten parts of southwest China.