Rescue workers in Gansu search for survivors after deadly flash floods and landslides left 10 dead and 33 missing in Yuzhong County.
At least 10 people have died and 33 remain missing after flash floods swept through Gansu province in northwestern China. The disaster followed intense rainfall in Yuzhong County, as reported by Chinese state media on Friday.
The heavy rains struck overnight, triggering deadly floods and landslides. Rescue teams are racing against time to find survivors.
Landslides Hit Mountain Villages
The downpour caused at least one major landslide in the mountainous regions near Lanzhou. Roads were cut off, power failed, and telecommunication lines went down in the Xinglong Mountain area. More than 4,000 residents across four villages are stranded.
In Maliantan village, a late-night landslide left three people missing. Emergency workers are digging through debris to locate them.
Record Rainfall in the Region
According to Lanzhou authorities, rainfall reached a maximum of 195 millimeters (7.7 inches) by early Friday. Floodwaters swept through low-lying areas, destroying homes and washing away vehicles.
President Xi Jinping has called for full-scale rescue operations. He urged officials to prioritize safety and prevent further disasters.
Rescue Efforts Underway
Authorities have mobilized rescue teams, heavy machinery, and medical units. Emergency shelters are being set up for displaced families. Search operations are focusing on areas with the highest number of missing persons.
Rescue workers face difficulties due to blocked roads, unstable slopes, and continuing rain. Local officials warn that further downpours could cause more landslides.
Flooding Hits Other Regions
Gansu is not the only province battling extreme weather. In Guangzhou, a landslide triggered by heavy rain killed seven people and injured seven more on Wednesday. The disaster buried several homes in Baiyun district.
In Zhengzhou, central Henan province, local authorities have taken preventive measures. Schools, offices, and factories were shut, and parts of the city were closed to traffic. The move comes after warnings of possible severe flooding.
Memories of Past Disasters
Zhengzhou was the site of one of China’s deadliest recent floods in 2021, when at least 292 people died. The memory of that tragedy has prompted swift action to minimize risks this time.
Authorities Warn of Continuing Threat
Meteorologists warn that more rain is expected in several regions. Flood prevention teams remain on high alert. Citizens are advised to stay away from rivers and unstable slopes.
Emergency broadcasts are running in affected provinces to provide evacuation guidance. Drones are being used to monitor flooded areas and locate stranded residents.
A Growing Challenge for China
Flash floods and landslides have become more frequent in China in recent years. Experts point to changing climate patterns and rapid urban development in vulnerable areas as key factors.
Authorities say strengthening early warning systems and improving drainage infrastructure are critical to preventing similar tragedies.
For now, the focus remains on saving lives in Gansu. The clock is ticking as rescue workers dig through mud and rubble, hoping to find survivors before the weather worsens again.
