The death toll in the tragic highway collapse in southern China’s Guangdong province has climbed to 48, according to state media reports on Thursday. The incident, caused by heavy rains, has highlighted the challenges posed by extreme weather events in the region.
The collapse occurred on a stretch of road between Meizhou city and Dabu county early Wednesday morning, leading to vehicles plunging down a steep slope. The scale of the disaster has prompted a massive rescue effort in the densely populated industrial region.
Guangdong has been grappling with a series of disasters linked to unusually heavy storms, which experts attribute to climate change. These events have underscored the urgent need for climate resilience and disaster preparedness in the area.
Efforts to rescue survivors and treat the injured have been ongoing, with around 500 personnel deployed to assist in the operation. State media footage showed the challenging conditions faced by rescue workers as they navigated through the muddy terrain and retrieved damaged vehicles.
President Xi Jinping has urged officials to prioritize rescue operations and manage risks effectively in the aftermath of the collapse. The provincial government has mobilized specialized teams to handle the situation and warned of potential further disasters due to persistent rainfall.
The recent weather patterns in Guangdong have been exceptional, with some areas experiencing three times the normal rainfall for this time of year. This has heightened the risk of geological disasters and prompted authorities to issue warnings and advisories for public safety during the ongoing holiday period.
Last month, floods caused by heavy rains claimed lives and displaced thousands of residents in Guangdong. Just days ago, a tornado struck Guangzhou, resulting in additional fatalities and property damage.
Sources By Agencies
