At least 15 individuals lost their lives when a bridge partially collapsed in Shaanxi province, China, following severe flash floods.
The incident occurred in Zhashui County, Shangluo city, on Friday evening, as confirmed by Chinese state broadcaster CCTV. Reports indicated that approximately 25 vehicles fell from the bridge due to the collapse, triggered by heavy rains and subsequent flooding.
Rescue operations remain ongoing, with China’s national fire and rescue authority mobilizing a substantial effort. As of Sunday evening, 1,630 personnel, 205 vehicles, and 63 boats have been deployed to the site for search and rescue missions. The exact number of individuals still missing has yet to be clarified, although one person has been successfully rescued.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for comprehensive rescue measures and heightened vigilance against continuing threats posed by the ongoing flood season, which arrived unusually early this year.
The disaster in Shaanxi coincides with a broader crisis across China, where torrential rains have triggered floods and landslides, prompting evacuations of over 100,000 residents in Henan province alone.
In Sichuan province, southwest China, another tragedy unfolded when flash floods struck Hanyuan County, claiming more than 10 lives with 29 individuals still missing as of Sunday afternoon.
The floods struck unexpectedly early Saturday morning, causing huge damage to local infrastructure and residences.
