Devastating Impact of Torrential Rains in Central China
Beijing: Torrential rains have led to the tragic loss of at least 30 lives and left 35 people missing in central China, according to state media reports on Thursday. The heavy rainfall, triggered by Typhoon Gaemi, hit the country earlier this week after the typhoon moved from the Philippines and Taiwan, eventually making landfall in eastern China. The hilly, landlocked Hunan province has been particularly affected.
Massive Evacuations and Record Rainfall
The city of Zixing saw significant evacuations, with over 11,000 residents displaced after experiencing record rainfall of 645 millimeters (25 inches) within 24 hours, as reported by state news agency Xinhua on Tuesday. The extreme weather conditions temporarily severed road connections between townships in the Zixing area and disrupted power and communication infrastructures.
Restoration Efforts Underway
State broadcaster CCTV reported on Thursday that “the roads, electricity, and communications in eight towns in Zixing city most severely affected by Typhoon Gaemi have basically been restored.” Despite the progress, the report confirmed 30 deaths and 35 individuals still missing, highlighting that search and rescue operations are ongoing.
Casualties and Ongoing Rescue Operations
Earlier reports from Xinhua on Tuesday indicated that four people were killed and three were missing in Zixing. Additionally, three fatalities were reported in Hunan’s Yongxing county. A landslide on Sunday resulted in the deaths of 15 people elsewhere in the province, further exacerbating the disaster’s toll.
Summary
The severe weather conditions brought by Typhoon Gaemi have caused significant destruction and loss in central China, particularly in Hunan province. With search and rescue efforts still in progress, the full impact of the torrential rains continues to unfold.
