At least 13 people have died and 30 remain missing after torrential rains triggered devastating mountain floods in Yuzhong County, northwest China's Gansu Province, local authorities confirmed Saturday. Rescue operations continue as teams battle challenging conditions to locate survivors and assess damage.
The disaster struck during peak rainfall hours, with emergency responders mobilizing over 1,200 personnel and 160 vehicles to affected areas. Provincial meteorological services recorded unprecedented precipitation levels, highlighting growing climate challenges in China's arid northwestern regions.
Gansu's rugged terrain and vital agricultural role make it particularly vulnerable to extreme weather events. The province serves as a key corridor for China's Belt and Road infrastructure projects and produces significant mineral resources, though officials confirm no major industrial sites were impacted.
Authorities have established temporary shelters for displaced residents while maintaining essential services. The incident underscores the increasing frequency of extreme weather patterns across Asia, with scientists urging improved disaster preparedness strategies for mountainous regions.
