Adedokun Waliyu At least 22 people have died and 20 others remain missing following severe rainfall and flooding across parts of China, according to state media reports.
Several regions in central and southern China have experienced record-breaking rainfall since the weekend, causing widespread flooding, evacuations, infrastructure damage and disruptions to schools and workplaces.
Authorities said extreme weather conditions have heavily affected provinces including Hunan, Guangxi, Guizhou and Hubei.
In Hunan, five people were confirmed dead while 11 others remain missing after torrential rains triggered flooding in mountainous communities.
State media reported that more than 61,500 residents in one county were affected by the disaster.
In the southern region of Guangxi, 10 people died after a truck attempting to cross a swollen river plunged into the water during heavy flooding.
Meanwhile, Guizhou recorded four deaths and five missing persons following days of intense rainstorms.
Flooding in Hubei also claimed three lives, while four others were reported missing after structures collapsed and communication links to some villages were cut off.
Chinese authorities have released emergency disaster relief funds totaling 150 million yuan to support affected areas and recovery efforts.
Nearly 24,000 people have reportedly been evacuated from affected communities across the impacted provinces.
Weather forecasts indicate that more rainfall is expected in the coming days, raising fears of additional flooding and landslides.
Scientists have repeatedly warned that climate change is increasing both the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events worldwide.
China remains the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases, although the country has also expanded renewable energy projects and pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.
