China: Pipeline explosion kills eight in Guizhou province July 2

Event

According to state media sources, a landslide caused by days of heavy rain triggered an explosion at a pipeline in Guizhou province on Sunday, July 2, killing at least eight people and injuring 35. The pipeline, operated by China National Petroleum Corp, exploded at around 10:00 (local time) in Qinglong county. A fire resulted from the explosion and was reportedly extinguished several hours later.

More rain has been forecast for the coming days, increasing the likelihood of additional flooding and/or landslides in the provinces of Guangdong, Guizhou, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, and Sichuan.

Context

Multiple deadly landslides, which occur frequently in China, have impacted Hunan and Sichuan provinces in recent weeks as a result of intense and sustained rain that has caused deadly flooding and dangerously high water levels across many provinces.

Advice

Individuals present in the area are advised to monitor the situation and follow all instructions issued by local authorities. In the event of flooding, keep in mind that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products.