At least 10 people have been confirmed dead, and 33 others remain missing following flash floods in Yuzhong County, located in China’s northwestern Gansu province, state media reported on Friday. The flooding, triggered by heavy rains since Thursday, has devastated mountainous areas near Lanzhou, leading to a landslide in addition to the widespread flooding.
What Happened
Severe downpours have caused flash floods, knocking out power and telecommunications in the Xinglong Mountain area and stranding more than 4,000 people across four villages. A landslide in the village of Maliantan in Yuzhong County late on Thursday left three people missing. Local authorities in Lanzhou reported a maximum rainfall of 195 millimeters by early Friday.
In response to the crisis, Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for urgent rescue and flood prevention efforts to mitigate further damage and loss of life.
Impact of the Flooding
The floods have wreaked havoc on several areas in China, with the southern metropolis of Guangzhou also facing destruction. On Wednesday, a flood-triggered landslide in the northern Baiyun district buried homes, resulting in the deaths of seven people and injuring another seven.
In the central Henan province, the city of Zhengzhou was forced to shut down schools, offices, and factories and close traffic in certain areas due to catastrophic flooding. The city had previously been struck by devastating floods in 2021, which claimed the lives of at least 292 people.
Previous Flooding and Tragic Loss in Beijing
Late July saw tragic flooding in the Taishitun Town Elderly Care Centre in Beijing’s Miyun district, where 31 people lost their lives. The area was severely impacted by storms that dumped nearly a year’s worth of rain over just a few days. In a rare public apology, officials acknowledged shortcomings in their preparedness plans, especially in relation to the elderly care center, which was located in the town’s center and was not initially included in flood preparedness measures. Miyun Party Secretary Yu Weiguo described the incident as a “bitter lesson.”
Broader Impact and Response
These incidents highlight the severe and widespread flooding across various regions of China, with heavy rains continuing to affect many parts of the country. Authorities are focusing on rescue operations and flood prevention measures, as the threat of further rainstorms looms.
This story may be updated as more information becomes available.
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