Chinese rescuers use explosives to clear boulders trapping landslide victims

Chinese rescuers use explosives to clear boulders trapping landslide victims reports that rescue teams in southwestern China used explosives on Monday to break through large boulders blocking access to 34 people missing for three days. The landslide occurred during torrential rain in Penghui county, about 270 km from Chongqing, and eight people were reported dead after the Friday disaster. State broadcaster CCTV showed footage of the blasting shattering a massive boulder and said the operation entered a “deep rescue phase,” without further immediate details. The response followed President Xi Jinping’s call for scientific search and rescue and for a swift investigation into the cause. Authorities evacuated more than 1,100 people, and investigations have also focused on hidden geological dangers and risks of secondary disasters amid forecast heavy rain.