The identity of 72 decedents have been confirmed. There were 35 women and 37 men, with 19 of them under the age of 19 with the youngest being only 2 years old.

About 60 were residents of Wulong County and the remaining number were from Shapingba District, Nanchuan and Youyang of Chongqing Municipality and Fujian Province.

The majority of the dead were farmers and peddlers. Their bodies have been claimed by their family members.

The landslide was categorized a geological disaster by a special team from the State Council. Chongqing is an area where natural disasters are prone to occur because it has a complicated geological structure, soft stratum and plenty of rain.

Jiang Chengsong, vice-minister of Land and Resources, said geological disasters are unavoidable, but can be guarded against. Lessons should be learned from the landslide at Wulong County.

In the future, great attention should be paid to prevent natural disasters. Relevant laws and regulations will be worked out in this respect, he added.

The rescue team has finished the five-day search. Some people have evacuated from the site.

Liao Xuewen, deputy magistrate of Wulong County, said a stone wall will be built at the venue of the landslide to prevent more landslide in future.

(Xinhua 05/06/2001)