Huangci village in Gansu province has long lived under the constant threat of landslides. On 10/12, a severe landslide saw millions of cubic meters of earth and rocks flatten many homes. Yet, all 45 villagers escaped unharmed, a testament to quick thinking.

This "miracle" unfolded within 20 crucial minutes, thanks to the vigilance of 62-year-old Zhang Deyuan.

Zhang Deyuan, 62, saved his entire village from a landslide. Photo: CCTV

That day, while cycling his routine patrol of geological monitoring points, Zhang heard strange sounds echoing from the mountain. "Rocks started falling, and dust rose thickly like smoke," he recounted. Closer observation revealed the red clay layer above beginning to slide, a clear sign the mountainside's structure had fractured.

At 11:20 am, Zhang placed an emergency call to the village committee. Instead of rushing home to secure his own belongings, the 62-year-old immediately ran through the residential area, knocking on doors and shouting for everyone to evacuate.

Upon receiving his report, town authorities promptly activated the evacuation procedure. The sounds of gongs, cymbals, and loudspeakers filled the air. Thanks to regular drills, residents quickly moved to safe areas. Exactly 20 minutes after Zhang issued his warning, a massive volume of earth and rocks collapsed, engulfing a road over 300 meters long and many homes. By then, the village was deserted.

"Without his call and decisive action, the consequences would have been catastrophic," said Shen Liangqian, a local official.

The village destroyed by the landslide. Photo: CCTV13

Zhang's keen awareness is rooted in a past trauma: 20 years ago, he survived a horrific landslide. That memory ensured he never neglected his duty as the village's geological observer. Regardless of sun, rain, or bitter cold, he conducts two patrols daily, meticulously checking every crack.

Professor Jiang Nan, a geology expert from Sichuan University, noted the Huangci village landslide had a large impact scope. The absence of casualties demonstrates the effectiveness of community-based warning systems.

"Long-time residents understand every inch of the land, every new crack, or loose rock. They are the most effective 'observation posts'," Mr. Jiang commented.

Last week, China's Ministry of Emergency Management commended Zhang for saving the entire village.

By Nhat Minh (Source: Sina)