Shenzhen landslide waste dump had been ordered to close over safety fears, documents reveal as search continues for 85 missing
The authorities told to stop operating and improve safety in July, but residents say it was not forced to shut down and huge dump grew larger
The waste dump that created a massive landslide in Shenzhen, with dozens missing after the disaster, was ordered to close five months ago and take action to improve safety, but had continued to operate.
Documents published by the authorities in the Guangming New District on its website show that officials had carried out several monthly inspections at the huge tip.
READ MORE: Ninety-one still missing as rescuers search for survivors after massive Shenzhen landslide
The revelation comes as rescuers continue to search for 85 people missing in the wake of the disaster.
The Hongao Construction Waste Dump was given approval in February last year to operate for 12 months, according to the documents.
It was ordered to carry out improvements and reapply for a licence by September, but failed to do so, according to the documents.
“Illegal dumping of earth is strictly forbidden,” one of the statements said.
