Tragic Flash Flooding and Landslides in Kangding, Sichuan
In a devastating turn of events, at least four individuals have lost their lives and 23 others are reported missing following a sudden flash flood and landslide that struck the city of Kangding in the mountainous region of Sichuan Province, southwestern China. This incident marks yet another grim chapter in a series of catastrophic weather-related events that have plagued China recently.
State media revealed early on Sunday that over 939 residents were evacuated from the affected areas due to the severe flooding. The majority of the population there is of Tibetan descent, and the region is known for its picturesque yet treacherous landscapes.
Among those missing are several individuals who were reportedly on an expressway bridge situated between two mountain tunnels when disaster struck. The bridge collapsed under the pressure of heavy rainfall early Saturday morning, leaving three vehicles and five people unaccounted for as of Sunday afternoon.
According to reports, a violent surge of mud and water cascaded down from elevated terrain, engulfing the area with alarming speed. A photograph released by the state-run Xinhua news agency depicted a scene of devastation, showing mud and shattered pieces of roadway tumbling down a steep slope, where a vehicle lay overturned.
The Ministry of Emergency Management has dispatched officials to oversee an extensive rescue operation. This effort involves more than 1,400 personnel, 215 vehicles, search and rescue dogs, and a helicopter, all working tirelessly to locate the missing individuals and assist those affected.
Extreme weather conditions have wreaked havoc across various parts of China in recent weeks, resulting in significant loss of life and property damage. Below are some notable incidents:
- At least 30 fatalities were reported late last month due to heavy rainfall from Typhoon Gaemi in Hunan Province, which caused widespread flooding. As of Thursday, 35 people were still missing, and nearly 100,000 had to evacuate.
- Approximately two weeks ago, a catastrophic highway bridge collapse during intense rainfall claimed the lives of 38 individuals in western China, with 24 still unaccounted for as of Friday.
- In June, flooding and landslides in Guangdong Province resulted in at least 47 deaths, forcing more than 100,000 people to evacuate after Meizhou experienced what was described as “once-in-a-century” rainfall.
Compounding the situation, July has been recorded as the hottest month in China since record-keeping began in 1961, with above-average temperatures reported across every province.
The Chinese government has responded to these disasters by allocating over $1.6 billion in disaster relief funds to local governments this year. Unfortunately, the landslide in Kangding has disrupted two of the main transportation routes during the peak summer tourist season. Local official Feng Fagui stated that a dedicated working group has been established to assist stranded tourists and truck drivers affected by the road closures.
