Torrential rains that struck southwestern China have caused deaths, collapses and mass evacuations. According to authorities, at least 10 people have lost their lives, while 21,784 residents have been moved out of endangered areas.
Initial toll from the affected areas
Heavy rainfall affected several parts of southwestern China, including Chengdu and Zigong, causing significant damage and prompting emergency response operations.
The official version speaks of 10 fatalities, while the severe weather also caused building collapses and landslides in several affected locations.
Tragedy in Sichuan
In Sichuan province, five people died after rainwater accumulated on the roof of a building and led to the collapse of a wall during a celebration for students who had passed university entrance exams.
Three other victims were reported at a home in Changning county. In addition, two people died at a hospital where 17 injured people were being treated.
More than 21,000 displaced from their homes
Authorities have evacuated 21,784 people as a precaution following the heavy rainfall, while high-risk natural disaster warnings have been issued in Sichuan.
In the mountainous areas of Garze and Aba, the rains also caused road blockages, complicating movement and field operations.
Investigation also under way in Guangxi
In Guangxi province, authorities are investigating the causes of a landslide at a construction site.
Five people were trapped under earth and, according to authorities, were pulled out unconscious by rescue teams. Guangxi is one of the areas that has been facing heavy rainfall since the start of summer.
The latest episode once again underscores the scale of the risk posed by extreme rainfall in regions exposed to landslides, collapses and the isolation of infrastructure.
The toll reported so far remains preliminary, while in some areas the situation continues to be assessed by local authorities.