Heavy rains claim six lives, displace hundreds in South-West China

Six people lost their lives due to unprecedented rainfall in South-West China, state media reported on Thursday, highlighting the country’s ongoing battle with extreme summer weather conditions.

According to county officials cited by state news agency Xinhua, torrential downpours struck Dianjiang county, near Chongqing, from late Wednesday into Thursday morning.

CCTV, citing the county flood control office, confirmed that four individuals succumbed to “geological disasters,” while an additional two tragically “drowned” by 1:50 pm (0550 GMT) on Thursday.

Xinhua reported that one victim died when a house collapsed, and at least three others were caught in landslides triggered by the heavy rains.

The impact has been significant, with nearly 7,000 people affected by the rainstorms and 170 individuals advised to evacuate.

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In Dianjiang, rainfall reached a record 254.6 millimetres (10 inches), marking the highest daily total ever recorded in the region.
This summer, China has been grappling with extreme weather patterns, including heavy rains in the east and south juxtaposed with scorching heat waves in the north.

As the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases, China faces mounting pressure due to climate change, which scientists link to increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.

Beijing has committed to peaking its carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060, as part of its efforts to mitigate climate impacts globally.

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