House collapse in Sichuan and landslide in Guangxi claim lives as authorities warn of further weather-related disasters
BEIJING: Torrential rains across southwestern China have killed at least 10 people in separate disasters, while authorities evacuated more than 21,000 residents from vulnerable areas, state broadcaster CCTV reported on Wednesday.
Disaster prevention agencies moved 21,784 people to safer locations following intense downpours across several southwestern areas, including Chengdu and Zigong.
In Sichuan province, five people died after accumulated rainwater caused part of a house to collapse during a dinner gathering on Tuesday. The family had reportedly organised the event to celebrate children’s college entrance examination results.
Three people died at the property in Changning county, while two others later died in hospital. Medical teams were treating another 17 injured people.
Sichuan Authorities Warn of Further Disasters
Meanwhile, provincial authorities issued a heavy-rain alert and warned residents about an increased risk of flooding, landslides and structural collapses.
Continuous rainfall since Tuesday also triggered two separate disasters in the mountainous Garze and Aba areas, cutting roads and disrupting transportation.
Emergency teams continued monitoring vulnerable communities as persistent rainfall increased pressure on infrastructure and unstable mountain terrain.
Furthermore, authorities urged residents in high-risk locations to follow evacuation instructions as weather conditions remained dangerous.
Guangxi Landslide Leaves Five Dead
Separately, a landslide struck a construction site in the Guangxi region on Monday and buried five people. Rescue workers later recovered all five victims dead, according to CCTV.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the landslide.
Officials had previously warned that loose sand, gravel and unstable terrain in mountainous canyon areas could increase the danger of landslides following prolonged rainfall.
Guangxi and other parts of southwestern China have experienced repeated heavy rainfall since the beginning of summer.
Consequently, emergency agencies remain on heightened alert as authorities assess damaged roads, buildings and other infrastructure while preparing for additional weather-related incidents.
