At least two people have died following a landslide at Zhushi in Guizhou Province, southwest China, at about 10.00 pm local time (about 2.00 pm GMT) on Tuesday 20 August 2013. Five people were pulled from the debris and taken to hospital at around 2.00 am local time, though three of those later died of their injuries an the remaining two are still receiving treatment. Two further people are still missing, with around 600 people involved in the ongoing search.
The approximate location of the 20 August 2013 Zhushi landslide. Google Maps.
China and neighboring countries have suffered a series of landslide events this year following several weeks of intense rain that have brought the worst flooding in southwest China for 50 years. Landslides are a common problem after severe weather events, as excess pore water pressure can overcome cohesion in soil and sediments, allowing them to flow like liquids. Approximately 90% of all landslides are caused by heavy rainfall.
See also Over a million rail passengers trapped by landslides in China, Three people killed in Guangxi landslides, Typhoon Utor hits south China, Eight people killed by landslide in Shanxi Province, China and At least nine dead following landslide in Gansu Province, northwest China.
Follow Sciency Thoughts on Facebook.
