Chongqing: At least 15 people were killed by floods in southwestern China as seasonal torrents hit mountain areas, Chinese authorities confirmed. It further clarified that another four people were reported to be missing by mid-morning in Chongqing, a vast mountainous region housing 31 million people. The Chongqing floods appear to be the country’s deadliest amid deluges in other parts of China.
Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday called for stronger efforts to protect lives and property from severe flooding, as the country’s scientists warned July will be more misery from extreme weather.
Heavy rains continue to displace over thousands of people in central China, and destroyed bridges and other property. More than 10000 people were evacuated in recent days from homes in central Hunan province, dozens of buildings collapsed, and a railway bridge collapsed after it was weakened by flood waters.
Chinese meteorological authorities have warned the nation can expect multiple natural disasters in July, including severe convection weather, floods, typhoons, and high temperatures. Beijing has already endured the hottest summer June since 2000.
Earlier in 2021, flood waters swept Zhengzhou, the capital of Henan province, turning streets into rivers and trapping travellers in flooded metro trains< some chest deep in water. At least 12 people were killed during 2021 floods.