Five individuals have lost their lives while another 15 are reported missing following intense rainfall that triggered floods and landslides in southern China. The calamity struck parts of Guangdong province since Sunday, marking another chapter in weeks of extreme weather events across the nation.
The incidents primarily occurred near Meizhou city on Monday, as revealed by state broadcaster CCTV, citing provincial authorities. Additionally, 13 people are currently trapped, although specific details about their conditions remain undisclosed.
In response to the crisis, over 10,000 emergency personnel have been mobilized to the affected regions to initiate swift search and rescue operations, as reported by CCTV.
China has been grappling with a summer characterized by drastic weather patterns. While the north faces scorching temperatures in a persistent heat wave, the southern regions are being battered by relentless rains. These contrasting weather phenomena reflect the broader global issue of climate change, with scientists attributing the increased frequency of extreme weather events to greenhouse gas emissions. Notably, China holds the distinction of being the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases.
Amid these developments, a separate landslide incident occurred on a highway in southeastern Jiangxi province, resulting in the burial of three vehicles. However, official casualty figures have yet to be reported by state news agency Xinhua.
The ongoing challenges posed by such natural disasters underscore the imperative for comprehensive strategies to mitigate climate change impacts and bolster disaster response capabilities.
Sources By Agencies
