Deadly floods killed six people and forced more than 80,000 residents to flee their homes across China's Guizhou province. State television reported the deaths occurred after massive flooding struck Rongjiang county starting Tuesday. Emergency officials activated their highest alert level as water rushed through communities. The floods damaged roads and knocked out phone service across many areas. Some residents became trapped as water rose rapidly around their homes.
Local authorities confirmed the death toll reached six people as of Thursday morning. Floodwaters covered low areas throughout the county and destroyed key infrastructure. Traffic came to a halt on many roads as bridges and streets disappeared under water. Communications went dark across several towns as equipment failed. Rescue teams worked to find people still stuck without help.
Water levels began dropping below danger marks on Thursday as the worst flooding ended. Officials started recovery work and continued searching for anyone still trapped. State media showed a football field completely underwater with three meters of flooding. One person needed rescue from the third floor of their house. Emergency teams evacuated about 80,900 people from the disaster zone.
China faces severe weather problems during the current summer season. Beijing received its second-highest heat warning on one of the hottest days this year. Neighboring Hunan province saw tens of thousands of people evacuated from heavy rains just days earlier. Weather experts expect more extreme conditions as the season continues. The flooding adds to mounting challenges from climate events hitting the country.
Local authorities confirmed the death toll reached six people as of Thursday morning. Floodwaters covered low areas throughout the county and destroyed key infrastructure. Traffic came to a halt on many roads as bridges and streets disappeared under water. Communications went dark across several towns as equipment failed. Rescue teams worked to find people still stuck without help.
Water levels began dropping below danger marks on Thursday as the worst flooding ended. Officials started recovery work and continued searching for anyone still trapped. State media showed a football field completely underwater with three meters of flooding. One person needed rescue from the third floor of their house. Emergency teams evacuated about 80,900 people from the disaster zone.
China faces severe weather problems during the current summer season. Beijing received its second-highest heat warning on one of the hottest days this year. Neighboring Hunan province saw tens of thousands of people evacuated from heavy rains just days earlier. Weather experts expect more extreme conditions as the season continues. The flooding adds to mounting challenges from climate events hitting the country.
