Chongqing Municipality in southwest China has been battered by unprecedented heavy rainfall, resulting in the tragic loss of six lives, local authorities reported on Thursday.
The torrential rains began on Wednesday night and continued into Thursday morning, hitting Dianjiang County particularly hard. According to county officials, the area recorded a maximum daily precipitation of 254.6 millimeters—a record high since meteorological records began.
The relentless downpour triggered geological disasters, claiming the lives of four individuals. Two others drowned amidst the severe flooding conditions. The sudden surge of water also caused fifteen rivers in the municipality to rise above alert levels, raising concerns about further flooding and the safety of residents in low-lying areas.
Emergency response teams have been mobilized to assist affected communities, monitor river levels, and mitigate the risk of additional casualties. Residents are being urged to stay vigilant and follow safety instructions issued by local authorities.
The extreme weather event underscores the vulnerability of the region to heavy rainfall and the importance of disaster preparedness.
With input from Xinhua
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
