Authorities in the southern region of China reported on Thursday that 39 individuals have lost their lives due to flooding caused by tropical storm Maysak, while Taiwan and the eastern coast of China prepared for an impending major storm. The majority of the fatalities were linked to a dam breach near Nanning, where 26 people perished, as stated by Ding Wei, the vice mayor of the city. Nine individuals are still missing in the wider Guangxi area.
Tropical storm Maysak brought unprecedented levels of rainfall to Guangxi starting last Saturday, resulting in the overflow of reservoirs and trapping residents in their homes and other structures for several days. Initially, the death toll was reported as six individuals.
Typhoon Bavi is anticipated to pass just north of Taiwan, bringing heavy rainfall to the island with a population of 23 million, before making landfall in either Zhejiang or Fujian province on Saturday.
Authorities in Taiwan have advised residents to stock up on essentials and prepare for what could potentially be the strongest typhoon to hit the island in years.
Continuous heavy rains pounded southern Guangxi, causing accumulations of 10 to 40 centimeters in some areas and exceeding 90 centimeters in severely affected zones, according to the national meteorological center. The breaches in reservoirs unleashed torrents of water into urban areas.
A large-scale relief and rescue operation involving drones and approximately 5,700 boats has been deployed to assist individuals trapped by the floods. Despite challenges posed by strong currents and debris, rescuers are making efforts to reach those in need, with around 130,000 people already evacuated.
Although the floodwaters are subsiding, additional rainfall is predicted in certain regions over the next two days. Efforts are underway to clear mud and debris, as well as disinfect various towns in the severely affected city of Hengzhou, located east of Nanning. Restoration of roads and electricity has been prioritized, with more than 60,000 households having their power reinstated, according to Ding.
