Dangchang County, China—The search for survivors in the mud-choked ruins of Rencang village ended on Wednesday morning. Local authorities confirmed the final death toll stands at twenty-one. The landslide struck early Tuesday, burying thirty-three people under tons of earth and debris. Five residents managed to escape the path of the slide unharmed.

Heavy rain across the region weakened the hillsides before the collapse occurred. Emergency crews worked through the night in treacherous conditions to reach the buried structures. Police and fire units arrived shortly after the disaster was reported at 6:56 a.m.

The scale of the destruction became clear as heavy machinery arrived to move the slide debris. Every house in the immediate path of the mudflow sustained heavy damage or total collapse. Relatives waited near the perimeter of the site throughout the day.

State media reports stated that reconstruction funds have been allocated by the central government. Authorities set aside 30 million yuan to assist with the recovery efforts in the area. This money is earmarked for local infrastructure repair and immediate aid for displaced families.

Natural disasters remain a constant threat during the summer months in this part of China. Intense rainfall patterns often trigger rapid shifts in soil stability on mountainous slopes. The terrain in Gansu makes rapid deployment of heavy rescue equipment difficult for responders.

Officials warned that the risk of further ground movement remains high for surrounding villages. Engineering teams are currently evaluating nearby slopes for signs of shifting earth or water saturation. Residents have been told to stay away from unstable areas until assessments are complete.

The focus now shifts to the logistical challenge of restoring basic services to the county. Power grids and water lines suffered significant damage during the event. Repair crews face a race against time as the weather forecast shows no immediate sign of clearing.

Recovery will take weeks as officials balance immediate relief with long-term safety concerns. Families of the deceased are being moved to temporary shelters provided by the local district. The site remains under strict police control to prevent unauthorized access.