Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Xi Orders Probe of Pengshui Landslide, 8 Dead, 34 Missing

7/17/2026

50 11 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

President Xi Jinping asked authorities to determine the cause of the July 17 landslide in Pengshui County.
The landslide killed eight people, left 34 missing and forced more than 1,100 residents to evacuate.
Over 800 rescuers are combing the debris with more than 50 rescue devices.
Authorities cut water, electricity and gas within a one-kilometre radius and sent more than 8,000 relief items.

History

Historical Context

The May 12, 2008 Sichuan earthquake killed over 69,000 people and led the Chinese government, PLA and Red Cross to mobilize 130,000 troops and ¥4.8 billion in aid, prompting stricter building codes and early-warning systems. On July 17, Xi Jinping ordered the Ministry of Emergency Management and local fire brigades to send more than 800 rescuers and 8,000 relief items, showing the matured disaster-response framework.

1 of 2

Story summary

President Xi Jinping asked authorities to determine the cause of the July 17 landslide in Pengshui County.
The landslide killed eight people, left 34 missing and forced more than 1,100 residents to evacuate.
Over 800 rescuers are combing the debris with more than 50 rescue devices.
Authorities cut water, electricity and gas within a one-kilometre radius and sent more than 8,000 relief items.

1 / 2