Twelve people had been killed and 15 others remained missing as of Tuesday after a devastating mudslide struck the Guza Town of Kangding City, Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Garze in southwest China's Sichuan Province, on Saturday.
The disaster took place at about 3:30 Saturday in Kangding, toppling a tunnel bridge and destroying homes in Ridi Village.
The bridge's collapse resulted in four vehicles with 11 people falling, among which three people have been confirmed dead, one was rescued, and seven remain missing. In Ridi Village, nine villagers were killed and eight are still missing.
The disaster was triggered by heavy rains, causing a massive flow of mud, rocks, and debris to overwhelm National Highway 318 in the Ridi Village section, completely blocking the road.
Intensive rescue and clear-up efforts have been underway, with multiple teams working around the clock. By the early morning of Tuesday, the damaged road section had been fully repaired, and National Highway 318 was restored to basic passability by Wednesday morning.
While the road has now reopened to the public, the priority is being given to rescue vehicles to ensure the continued progress of emergency operations and the delivery of essential supplies.
"We will continue to keep our roads open and accessible. We are closely monitoring the situation and road condition, strengthening road maintenance, and inspecting for potential hazards," said Tang Daqing, deputy director of the prefecture's transportation bureau.
Local tourism, public security, and transportation authorities have also worked tirelessly to ensure the safety and smooth travel of visitors in the affected area. Over 230 service points have been established along alternative routes, with more than 4,800 tourism volunteers deployed to provide guidance and support, as well as free food and hot water and fast food to those in need.
Twelve killed, 15 missing in Sichuan's flash flood, mudslide
