China Floods Claim 13 Lives as Rescue Efforts Intensify

Gansu Province Grapples with Devastating Mudslides

Northwest China is reeling from devastating flash floods and mudslides, with the confirmed death toll now at 13. The treacherous conditions continue to challenge rescue operations in the affected region.

Rising Toll Amidst Ongoing Search

The number of fatalities climbed on Saturday after three more bodies were discovered. Torrents of mud and water began inundating mountainous areas of Gansu province on Thursday, initially reporting ten deaths, with at least 33 individuals unaccounted for.

Presidential Call for Action

President **Xi Jinping** has urged authorities to exert maximum effort in the search for those still missing, according to state broadcaster CCTV. The difficult terrain and damaged infrastructure are significantly complicating the rescue missions.

Aid and Evacuations Underway

State news agency Xinhua reported the updated death toll and stated that the number of missing people has been revised to 30. Hundreds have been successfully rescued, and thousands more have been safely evacuated from the disaster zones.

Complex Rescue Operations

A rescue official described the situation as “complex,” citing the presence of thick mud and difficult road access. Essential services, including telephone lines and electricity, have been severed in the affected areas.

Heavy rains in the mountainous Xinglong area, where an estimated 4,000 people were previously reported trapped, have also caused debris, including garbage, to obstruct roadways. In response, Beijing’s top economic planner has allocated 100 million yuan (approximately US$14 million) to support disaster relief efforts in Gansu province.

Broader Context of Natural Disasters

Natural disasters are a recurring challenge across China, particularly during the summer months. This period often sees regions experiencing intense rainfall while others suffer from extreme heatwaves, highlighting the country’s vulnerability to climatic shifts.

For instance, China experienced an average of 71 major natural disasters per year between 2013 and 2022, according to the National Climate Center. This underlines the persistent need for robust disaster preparedness and response strategies.