A massive landslide struck southwestern China, killing at least 8 people.

The aftermath video was filmed in Zhaotong City in Yunnan Province on January 22.

A local villager, living mere minutes away from the disaster site, recounted the horror, "We were all asleep. It was still dark early in the morning when the landslide happened. There was a loud noise, and the ground shook violently, almost like a major earthquake."

Upon awakening, she was met with the grim reality that nearby village groups had suffered a catastrophic landslide, trapping many.

The situation was exacerbated by the harsh winter conditions. "It started snowing last night, and it's very cold," said a villager. Survivors, now homeless and in shock, were huddled by the roadside, with fears of a secondary collapse looming over them.

Villagers from neighbouring groups rushed to the scene to help. While rescue operations were underway.

In response to this calamity, the Yunnan Provincial Disaster Reduction Committee has activated a level-three emergency disaster response. Over 200 people have been urgently evacuated.

Resources including 10 loaders, 33 fire engines, and more than 200 rescue personnel have been mobilised to intensify the search and rescue efforts.

The video was provided by local media with permission.

1月22日5时51分，云南昭通市镇雄县塘房镇凉水村和兴、和平两村民小组发生滑坡，初步核实，18户47人被埋。
1月22日，凉水村一位村民介绍，她家离发生滑坡的位置有几分钟路程，目前有很多人被埋，逃出来的村民都在路边，其他村民小组的村民都赶过去帮忙，烧水给大家取暖。
“当时我们都睡着了，凌晨的时候，天还没亮，山体滑坡了，声音很大，还晃了一下，感觉就像是大地震一样。”该村民称，等她起来后，才得知是不远的村组发生了山体滑坡，有很多户人家被埋。
“昨晚开始下雪了，很冷。逃出来的村民都在路边，不知道会不会有二次垮塌。”该村民称，事发后，其他村民组的村民都跑过去帮忙。垮塌现场有消防救援人员搜救，这些村民就在外围帮忙烧水，给现场的村民取暖。
目前，云南省减灾委员会已启动三级救灾应急响应。当地已紧急转移群众200余人，調集10台装载机、33辆消防车，集结200余名救援人员全力开展搜救工作。