On July 18th, it was reported that following the mountain collapse in Pengshui County, Chongqing, the Ministry of Natural Resources activated its emergency response command mechanism on the 17th. The ministry organized a team of over 120 experts from the natural resources system, including academicians, to assist on-site with emergency rescue operations, emergency surveying, and investigation and monitoring.
At the site, the Ministry of Natural Resources directed an expert group to delineate safe zones for rescue operations and establish emergency evacuation routes for personnel. They conducted preliminary analysis of the disaster's causes using remote sensing imagery and enhanced deformation monitoring through technologies like InSAR. Emergency monitoring and early warning systems were deployed, implementing a tripartite "manual + equipment" monitoring approach at key upper, middle, and lower sections of the landslide mass. Equipment such as crack gauges and GNSS devices were installed to monitor deformation trends in the mountain behind the landslide in real-time, while total station robots and slope radar were used to monitor the middle and lower sections. Drones were utilized for dynamic patrols of the landslide mass and surrounding areas. An expanded area survey was conducted, identifying an affected zone of approximately 50,000 square meters. All residents from 21 buildings within the potential impact area have been evacuated.
Preliminary investigations indicate the total volume of the collapsed material is about 18,000 cubic meters, with the largest single rock block in the debris measuring roughly 3,000 cubic meters. Currently, dangerous rock masses remain at the top and sides of the collapse area, with a high likelihood of further instability under heavy rainfall conditions. The Ministry of Natural Resources will continue to intensify monitoring, issue timely warnings, and make every effort to ensure the safety of search and rescue operations.
On July 18th, the Ministry of Natural Resources convened two video coordination meetings, emphasizing the need for thorough integrated investigation and monitoring, strict prevention of secondary disasters, and full support for safe search and rescue efforts. Furthermore, the ministry has directed a comprehensive review of geological hazard risks across the entire Pengshui County to prevent similar incidents from occurring.