Seven people are reported to have died and 20 are still missing after a landslide hit the village of Yingping in Guizhou Province, China, at about 8 pm on Wednseday 27 August 2014. A further 22 people were injured in the incident, which destroyed 77 homes, affecting 154 people in the village. The incident occurred following about 24 hours of heavy rainfall, which caused a number of flash floods in the region, and caused the breach of a small reservoir close to Yingping, which apparently contributed to the landslide hitting the village. 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.
Rescue workers at Yingping in Guizhou Province following the 27 August landslide. Reuters.
Central Guizhou has a warm temperate climate with high levels of rainfall all year round. Rainfall is typically highest in June when the area often receives over 200 mm of rainfall. August is drier, but typically still has around 100 mm of rain. This year's summer has been exceptionally wet, with a number of flooding incidents across the province.
The approximate location of the 27 August 2014 Yingping Earthquake. Google Maps.
See also...
One person is known to have died and at least 15 more are missing following a landslide at Latudi in Fugong County in Yunnan Province, China, at about 9.00 am local time on Monday 30 June 2013. Two other people were reportedly injured in the incident...
Four workers have been killed and a fifth injured following a landslide at a min in Jinping County, in Yunnan Province, China...
At least two people have died following a landslide at Zhushi in Guizhou Province, southwest China, at about 10.00 pm local time...
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