The official Chinese news agency reported today, Wednesday, that "15 people were killed, and four others are missing due to heavy rains that struck southwestern China." The "Xinhua" news agency quoted local authorities stating that the rains "claimed the lives of 15 individuals while four others are considered missing in the Chongqing region of northwestern China." Southern China has been experiencing continuous heavy rains for days, leading to flooding and damaging many areas.
Water levels of seven rivers in southwest China's Chongqing remained above the warning level after torrential downpours battered the city. Officials have initiated a Level-4 emergency response for flooding. Residents in low-lying areas were trapped in floodwater in the town of Liubanshui in southwestern Guizhou province, as water entered the ground floors of their homes, trapping them inside. Rescue teams were sent to evacuate the trapped residents, successfully rescuing more than 40 individuals after three hours of effort.
In the city of Xianing in Hubei province, residents were stranded due to flooding that reached about one meter in height, and more than 30 people were evacuated to safe areas. The weather authority has predicted that heavy rainfall will continue in southern China over the next five days.
