Torrential rain in northern China has led to a bridge collapse in Shangluo, Shaanxi province, resulting in at least 11 deaths and more than 30 people missing.
Metro reported that the disaster is part of a series of extreme weather events that have plagued China this summer, including floods, heatwaves, and landslides.
The bridge in Shangluo buckled around 8:40 p.m. on Friday due to sudden heavy rain and flash floods.
The collapse led to the disappearance of nearly 20 vehicles and more than 30 individuals. Rescuers have so far recovered 11 bodies from five vehicles found in the water.
Images from the scene show a partially submerged section of the bridge with water rushing over it. This incident is part of a broader pattern of severe weather affecting northern and central China since Tuesday. Torrential rains have caused extensive flooding and damage in multiple provinces.
In Baoji city, Shaanxi province, at least five people were reported dead, and eight more are missing due to flooding and mudslides on Friday. The provinces of Gansu and Henan have also been hit hard by the heavy rains this week.
Henan's Nanyang city experienced a year's worth of rainfall at the start of the week, leading to significant disruptions. Meanwhile, in Sichuan province, two people were killed, and seven are missing after landslides triggered by the heavy rain.
This summer has seen a series of extreme weather events in China, with heavy rains affecting the east and south while the north grapples with intense heatwaves. The climate crisis is exacerbating these events, making them more frequent and severe.
In May, a highway in southern China collapsed after days of rain, resulting in 48 deaths. Earlier this month, a tornado in eastern China killed one person, injured 79, and caused widespread damage.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for "all-out efforts" in the rescue and relief operations. Authorities are working to locate the missing and provide aid to the affected areas.
Witnesses described the chaotic scene when the bridge collapsed. One person recounted how a truck in front of them "didn’t stop and fell into the water." Another witness recalled hearing people "yelling at me to brake and stop the car" as the bridge gave way.
The ongoing rescue operations are challenging due to the adverse weather conditions and the swift currents in the river.
Emergency services are working around the clock to recover more vehicles and locate the missing persons.
The extreme weather events this summer highlight the urgent need for comprehensive climate action and disaster preparedness.
The increased frequency and severity of such incidents are straining the resources and response capabilities of local authorities.
The torrential rain that led to the bridge collapse in Shangluo, Shaanxi province, northern China, has resulted in at least 11 confirmed deaths and over 30 missing persons.
The sudden downpour and flash floods that caused the bridge to buckle at 8:40 p.m. on Friday also led to nearly 20 vehicles being washed away.
Regions across northern and central China have been experiencing severe weather, with heavy rains causing flooding, mudslides, and significant damage. This summer has seen a series of extreme weather events, exacerbated by the climate crisis, affecting various parts of China with both heavy rains and heatwaves.
Rescue operations are ongoing, with emergency services working tirelessly to recover more bodies and locate the missing. The impact of the climate crisis underscores the need for urgent action to mitigate its effects and improve disaster preparedness and response.
