Four dead, 17 missing as heavy rains soak southern China, triggering landslides

HONG KONG - At least four people have died and 17 remain missing after torrential rain triggered landslides in China’s south-western Guizhou province on May 22, with the military deployed to assist in rescue efforts.

Two died in Changshi township and two from nearby Qingyang village, where 19 people from eight different households were initially trapped after being hit by a landslide, state broadcaster CCTV reported on May 22.

The authorities also issued risk warnings for geological disasters in nearby areas.

China is facing hotter and longer heatwaves and more frequent and unpredictable heavy rain as a result of climate change. The country is especially vulnerable to the effects of climate change because of its huge population, the authorities have said.

The authorities initiated their third-highest emergency response for heavy rain in mountainous Guizhou, as well as the nearby provinces of Hunan and Jiangxi. More than 400 emergency staff, including military officers and firefighters, were sent to assist in the rescue mission.

Heavy rain over the last week in China’s southern Guangdong province and Guangxi region

has killed seven people and left several missing, with the authorities issuing warnings for severe rain, mountain flooding and geological disasters in the south of the country.

Chinese meteorological data shows 2024 was the warmest year for the country since comparable records began more than six decades ago, the second straight year in which milestones were broken. REUTERS