Flash floods in China’s Gansu province kill 10, leave 33 missing amid extreme weather crisis

At least 10 people died and 33 are missing after flash floods in Gansu province, China. President Xi Jinping urged urgent rescue efforts and risk management. Floods also hit Guangdong, stranding thousands. China faces frequent natural disasters and aims for carbon neutrality by 2060.

At least 10 people have lost their lives and 33 others remain missing following severe flash floods that struck Yuzhong County in China’s north-central Gansu province, according to reports from Chinese state media on Friday.

The floods were triggered by continuous heavy rainfall beginning on August 7. By 3:30 p.m. (0730 GMT) on August 8, authorities confirmed that 10 individuals had died and 33 were still unaccounted for, the state broadcaster CCTV reported. The scale of the disaster has prompted an urgent response from government officials.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for the "utmost effort" in locating and rescuing the missing people, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. He urged local and regional authorities to intensify their search and rescue operations immediately. In light of the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, President Xi has also instructed all regions to firmly overcome any complacency. He stressed the importance of boosting efforts to identify and manage risks that could lead to such disasters, signaling a broader focus on disaster preparedness and mitigation across the country.

The heavy rains have not only caused flooding in Gansu but also led to flash floods and at least one landslide in Guangdong province since Thursday, as reported by CCTV. These floods disrupted power and telecommunications services in the mountainous Xinglong area, which caused serious isolation issues for residents. More than 4,000 people living in four villages in that region were left stranded, highlighting the severe impact on local communities.

Natural disasters are a recurring challenge in China, especially during the summer months when some parts of the country face intense rainfall while others endure extreme heat. Such weather patterns have often resulted in significant damage and loss of life. For example, just last month, northern Beijing experienced heavy rains that caused the deaths of 44 people. The capital’s rural suburbs were particularly affected by the flooding, demonstrating how vulnerable even well-developed areas can be during extreme weather.

China’s vulnerability to natural disasters is compounded by its status as the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases. These emissions are a key driver of global climate change, which in turn contributes to an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events like floods, droughts, and heatwaves. Despite these challenges, China has positioned itself as a global leader in renewable energy development. The country has committed to a carbon-neutral economy by 2060, undertaking massive investments in clean energy technologies such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power to help reduce its environmental impact and curb climate change over the long term.