The death toll from flash floods and mudslides in northwest China’s Gansu province has risen to 13, according to state media on Saturday. Rescue workers found the bodies of three more victims, while 30 people remain missing.
The disaster began on Thursday when powerful torrents of mud and water swept through the mountainous region. By Friday, officials had confirmed 10 deaths and were searching for at least 33 missing residents.
Hundreds of people have been rescued, and thousands have been forced to evacuate their homes. However, rescue operations remain challenging due to blocked roads, damaged bridges, and ongoing heavy rainfall. Power and phone lines have also been cut in several areas.
China’s President Xi Jinping has ordered emergency teams to make every possible effort to save those trapped and provide relief to affected communities. Beijing’s top economic planner has allocated 100 million yuan (around $14 million) for disaster relief in Gansu.
The heavy rains have also triggered flood alerts in other provinces, including Jiangsu, Anhui, Hubei, and Chongqing. Torrential downpours in southern China’s Guangdong province have forced tens of thousands to evacuate.
In recent months, extreme weather has taken a heavy toll across the country. Last month, heavy rain in Beijing killed 44 people, while a landslide in nearby Hebei province left eight dead. Scientists warn that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of such disasters.
China, the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases, is also a leading investor in renewable energy. Experts stress that tackling climate change is vital to reducing the impact of future disasters.
