Four people have died and six others are missing after a pick-up truck plunged into a river in southern China's Guangxi region, as the country continues to grapple with its first large-scale and prolonged rainfall event of 2026.
Emergency Response Activated
Authorities have activated an emergency flood response in Guangdong province in the south and Guizhou in the southwest after the weather department forecast persistent heavy rain from 15 to 19 May. Warnings have been issued for further downpours following torrential rain that lashed central and eastern China over the weekend, affecting provinces such as Jiangxi and Hunan.
The Accident in Guangxi
The tragedy occurred on Saturday when the truck, carrying 15 workers to a sweet potato farm, plunged into a river while crossing a low bridge in the Huanjiang Maonan Autonomous County, state broadcaster CCTV reported. Five people were rescued from the incident.
More than 700 rescue workers, equipped with underwater sonar devices, dinghies, and drones, have been involved in a large-scale search operation to locate the missing passengers and recover the truck.
Government Response
The Chinese emergency management ministry stated that 'people first and life first' remains the guiding principle of the rescue effort, urging all departments to strengthen measures to prevent rain-related accidents.
Weather Forecast
The heavy rain system is expected to gradually move eastward and southward across China over the next three days, according to the National Meteorological Centre. Officials have warned of heightened risks of mountain torrents, flooding in small and medium-sized rivers, and severe urban waterlogging.
In Jingzhou city, central Hubei province, work and business activities have been suspended as part of its flood emergency response. Authorities have also closed all tourist attractions and ordered schools to suspend outdoor classes.
Footage aired by CCTV showed rescuers navigating the submerged streets of the city by boat. In nearby Yichang, according to Hubei Daily, rainfall over the weekend broke a 36-year record.
In April, a rare rainstorm triggered severe flooding in the southern city of Qinzhou, forcing more than 200 residents to evacuate.
