Chongqing's municipal planning and natural resources authority reported on Wednesday that a successful early warning system in Dianjiang County averted potential casualties from a rock collapse. The incident occurred on September 10, when local authorities had already evacuated one household comprising four people who were residing in the danger zone.

The chain of events began on September 8 at around 10 a.m., when grassroots patrol teams in Guidong Subdistrict, as part of a 100-day geological hazard prevention campaign, discovered deformation signs on a rock formation in Long'an Village, Group 6. Although this location was not on the official registered hazard list, the patrol immediately escalated the finding to higher authorities.

Upon receiving the report, the Dianjiang County planning and natural resources bureau dispatched resident geological engineers Zhao Xin and Liao Kai to conduct an on-site investigation. After careful analysis, the experts concluded that the unstable rock mass had been compromised by long-term weathering and erosion, posing a genuine safety threat to the area below. Following this assessment, Guidong Subdistrict officials swiftly organized the evacuation of the four affected residents from the single household at risk.

At approximately 11:30 a.m. on September 10, the rock formation indeed collapsed, with an estimated volume of 4.8 cubic meters of material falling and destroying one room of a house below. Fortunately, the preemptive evacuation ensured that no injuries or fatalities occurred as a result of the collapse.

As of the time of reporting, the county's planning and natural resources bureau, working alongside the stationed geological team, had expanded their detailed investigation of the surrounding area. Authorities have demarcated the danger zone, established warning lines and signs, and continued supporting the displaced residents with proper安置 arrangements. Dedicated personnel have been assigned to conduct reinforced patrols and monitoring to prevent unauthorized entry into the hazardous area.

Looking ahead, the Chongqing municipal planning and natural resources authority will guide the Dianjiang County bureau and its geological team in further assessing geological risks. They will assist local government in strengthening inspections and patrols of similar vulnerable areas, enhancing monitoring and early warning systems, and proactively implementing evacuation and emergency response protocols to safeguard residents' lives and property.