At Least 15 Dead as Storms and Floods Batter China, Mass Evacuations Underway

Beijing: At least 15 people have died and hundreds have been injured after severe storms, flooding and other weather-related disasters struck several parts of China, prompting large-scale rescue operations and mass evacuations, according to state media.

The worst casualties were reported in central China's Hubei province, where thunderstorms and powerful winds claimed 11 lives and left 331 people injured. State media reported that the extreme weather also damaged around 4,800 homes, while 22 buildings collapsed.

Authorities said the severe weather system developed rapidly and was marked by short-lived but destructive winds. Tornadoes were also reported in parts of the province.

In southern Guangxi, Typhoon Maysak-triggered flooding killed at least four people, while eight others remained missing. More than 50,000 residents were evacuated as rising floodwaters inundated communities and prompted emergency responses across the region.

Officials in the regional capital of Nanning raised flood-control measures to the highest alert level after heavy rain caused dams to overflow. State media footage showed rescue workers using inflatable boats to evacuate stranded residents, while dramatic images captured floodwaters surging through a breached reservoir.

Chinese President Xi Jinping called for "all-out" efforts to rescue those affected and instructed authorities to accelerate emergency relief operations, according to state media.

In a separate incident, a landslide in Gansu province buried 33 people on Tuesday. State broadcaster CCTV reported that 17 people had been rescued, while search efforts continued for those still trapped. Authorities said emergency teams were working to relocate affected residents and prevent further disasters.

China frequently experiences floods, storms and landslides during the summer months. Scientists have warned that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events worldwide. Earlier this year, heavy rainfall across central and southern China claimed at least 22 lives, with several regions recording unprecedented precipitation levels.