Xi urges scientific search and rescue efforts after Chongqing mountain collapse

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday urged efforts to carry out search and rescue operations in a scientific manner after a mountain collapse struck a county in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, leaving people trapped and missing.

The mountain collapse occurred at about 9:10 a.m. on Friday in Hanjia subdistrict of Pengshui County, bringing down multiple residential buildings at the foot of the mountain.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, stressed the need to prevent secondary disasters, provide proper medical treatment to the injured, and effectively handle the aftermath. Efforts should also be made to identify the cause of the disaster, draw lessons from it, and thoroughly screen for and eliminate geological disaster risks, he said.

Xi said that all regions and relevant departments should strengthen risk monitoring, early warning and inspections to safeguard people's lives and property.

Premier Li Qiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, said relevant authorities should carry out their duties thoroughly, comprehensively detect hazards, and take solid steps to prevent and respond to disasters.

Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing, also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, has led officials from relevant departments to the mountain collapse site to guide rescue and emergency response. Chongqing has gone all-out to carry out search and rescue operations, treat the injured and handle the aftermath.