In a swift response to a tragic accident in south China, the Office of the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters has dispatched a dedicated work team to the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The team's mission is to provide critical assistance and guidance for search and rescue operations following a vehicle accident in Huanjiang Maonan Autonomous County.
The incident occurred on Saturday night in Luoyang Town, when a truck carrying 15 people plunged into a river while attempting to cross a flooded bridge. According to reports from the county government, rescue efforts have successfully saved five individuals. Tragically, one person has been confirmed dead, and nine others remain missing as search operations continue.
The tragedy comes amidst a period of challenging weather conditions. On Sunday, the Ministry of Emergency Management and the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters held an extensive consultation with meteorological and water resources departments, alongside representatives from 17 provincial-level regions, including Guangxi and Hubei. The meeting aimed to assess the trajectory of the current rainfall and coordinate flood prevention strategies in high-risk areas.
Forecasters indicate that the current wave of widespread heavy rainfall is expected to move gradually eastward and southward from May 17 to 19. Given these conditions, authorities have issued urgent warnings regarding various environmental risks, including mountain torrents, geological disasters, and flooding in small and medium-sized rivers. Particular attention is being paid to the stability of reservoirs and the risk of urban waterlogging.
To prevent further accidents, the consultation emphasized the need for enhanced monitoring, precise forecasting, and early warning systems. There is a strong call for improved cross-regional and interdepartmental information sharing to support targeted risk prevention.
Local authorities across the affected regions have been urged to tighten the safety management of submerged bridges and waterlogged roads, with a strict prohibition on risky crossings of floodwaters. Furthermore, officials are organizing timely evacuations from high-risk areas, prioritizing vulnerable locations such as nursing homes, hospitals, schools, and popular tourist sites to ensure the safety of all residents and visitors.
Reference(s):
China sends work team to Guangxi after vehicle plunges into river
cgtn.com
