Rescue Ends in China Landslide Tragedy, 21 Confirmed Dead

The death toll from a landslide in northwestern China's Gansu province has risen to 21 , after rescue teams completed search operations and recovered all those trapped beneath the debris, state media reported on Wednesday.

The landslide struck at around 6:56 a.m. on Tuesday in Nanhe township, Tanchang County, Longnan City , burying 33 people who were travelling to carry out forest maintenance work , according to Chinese authorities.

State broadcaster CCTV reported that all 33 victims were pulled from the site by early Wednesday. Of them, 21 were confirmed dead , while seven sustained minor injuries and five escaped unharmed .

Emergency responders, including firefighters, police officers and disaster relief personnel, worked through the night using heavy machinery to clear the rubble. Images released by state media showed excavators and rescue teams operating across mounds of earth in the mountainous area.

Authorities said the landslide covered an area of more than 5,400 square metres , with debris reaching depths of up to 10 metres . The region is known for its steep terrain and unstable geological conditions, which may have contributed to the disaster.

The exact cause of the landslide remains under investigation . Officials have warned of the possibility of secondary landslides in the area and are continuing geological assessments to prevent further incidents.

The tragedy is the latest reminder of the risks posed by geological disasters in China's mountainous regions, where landslides are frequently triggered by unstable terrain and adverse environmental conditions.