Maysak flooding leaves 39 dead in southern China
Officials said a dam breach in Nanning caused 26 deaths as Guangxi faced evacuations, rescues and flood damage after days of rain.
By James Whitfield · Staff Writer
3 min read
Flooding linked to Tropical Storm Maysak has killed 39 people in southern China, with officials saying a dam breach in Nanning caused most of the deaths. The disaster has forced about 130,000 people from their homes in Guangxi and triggered a broad rescue effort using drones, boats and emergency crews.
Nanning Vice Mayor Ding Wei gave the updated death toll at a news briefing on Thursday, according to Al Jazeera, AFP and AP. Ding said the number had risen from an earlier count of six after days of extreme rain overwhelmed reservoirs and sent floodwater through communities in the Guangxi region.
The breach in Nanning killed 26 people, Ding said. Officials have not given a full breakdown of the remaining deaths, according to the reports.
China’s national meteorological centre said southern Guangxi was hit by prolonged heavy rain, with totals of 10 to 40 centimetres in some places and more than 90 centimetres in the worst-hit areas. Ding said flood levels were falling, though more rain was expected in some areas over the next two days.
Rescue crews work through debris and currents
Authorities have deployed more than 8,000 people and about 5,700 boats for rescue work, according to Al Jazeera, AFP and AP. Crews have been trying to reach people cut off by high water while dealing with strong currents and floating debris.
Drones and thousands of boats have been used to locate and assist trapped residents, the reports said. Rescue workers were also seen evacuating people after the dam breach in Hengzhou, a city east of Nanning that falls under its jurisdiction.
Ding said recovery work was under way in several badly affected towns in Hengzhou. Crews have been clearing mud and debris, disinfecting areas hit by floodwater and repairing damaged roads, he said.
Power has been restored to more than 60,000 homes, Ding said. Authorities have not reported when all damaged roads and utilities are expected to be back in service.
Zoo animals escape after enclosures fail
Flooding also damaged enclosures at Guigang Zoo in Guangxi province, allowing at least 100 animals to escape, according to a local district Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau statement cited in the reports. The missing animals included alpacas, miniature pigs and zebras.
The bureau said the zoo asked the public on Wednesday to help find the animals. The list of missing animals also included two North American raccoons, four porcupines and 30 peacocks, according to the statement.
The zoo warned that some animals could be frightened and may act aggressively. It urged residents who spot escaped animals to keep their distance and avoid trying to catch, approach or provoke them.
The flooding followed days of severe weather tied to Maysak in southern China, according to the reports. Local authorities continued rescue, cleanup and public safety work as water levels eased in some places and forecasts pointed to additional rain in parts of the region.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.