Large-scale landslide in China’s Zigui County, Hubei Province

A large-scale landslide occurred in Zigui County, Yichang, Hubei Province, on the morning of July 17, 2024, causing significant damage to infrastructure and agriculture. The landslide affected a 1.2 km (0.75 miles) long stretch of Wugao Road and 24 ha (60 acres ) of citrus orchards. The event is part of a series of landslides triggered by recent heavy rains and flooding across the region.

Footage of the landslide in Jiajiadian Village, Guizhou Town, Zigui County, surfaced on social media, showing soil sliding down a mountain, breaking the road into sections, and approaching two residential houses. Authorities confirmed no casualties, stating the area was uninhabited at the time, and no vehicles were on the affected road.

The Guizhou Provincial Geological and Environmental Monitoring Institute reported the landslide’s volume at approximately 800 000 m³ (28.3 million ft³)—officials report that there were no casualties.

China has seen an increase in landslides, due to ongoing heavy rains and flooding. Recent incidents include:

• Dianjiang County, Chongqing City: Heavy rains caused a landslide in Longquan Village, Gangjia Town, resulting in a house being washed away and the deaths of three people, including a grandfather and his grandson.
• Xinhuang County, Hunan Province: On June 23, a landslide destroyed four houses, killing eight people.
• Shanghang County, Fujian Province: On June 16, a landslide led to the collapse of a temple, burying a family of six who had sought shelter there.

References:

¹ 湖北宜昌發生大面積山體滑坡 千米公路被毀（視頻）- NTDTV -July 18, 2024

Rishav Kothari

Rishav Kothari is Editor-in-Chief of The Watchers, where he runs the newsroom and covers earthquakes, volcanoes, severe weather and space weather.

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