At least 16 people have been killed after sudden flash floods tore through China's northwestern Gansu province, according to state media reports. The disaster struck late on Friday night following exceptionally heavy rainfall in the mountainous region.
Emergency Response Underway
Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered "all-out" rescue efforts as emergency teams work to locate missing persons and assist survivors. Dramatic CCTV footage circulating online shows the terrifying moment when walls of water surged through urban areas, sweeping away vehicles and debris.
Widespread Damage Reported
The floods have caused:
- Severe damage to infrastructure including roads and bridges
- Power outages across multiple counties
- Disruption to communication networks
- Significant property damage in affected areas
Climate Change Concerns
Meteorologists note this disaster follows a pattern of increasingly extreme weather events in China. Just last month, Beijing experienced its heaviest rainfall in 140 years, causing widespread flooding in the capital.
Local authorities in Gansu are now focused on:
- Search and rescue operations
- Providing emergency shelter
- Restoring critical infrastructure
- Assessing long-term recovery needs
The death toll may rise as rescue teams reach more remote areas affected by the flooding. China's national meteorological service has issued further rain warnings for the region.
