South China Flood Death Toll Climbs to 39

BEIJING- The death toll from severe flooding in China’s southern Guangxi region has risen to 39, with nine people still missing, state media reported on Thursday, as torrential rain continued to batter parts of the country and authorities responded to widespread damage caused by extreme weather.

The latest figures come as southern and central China face heavy rainfall and flooding, while a super typhoon is forecast to approach the country’s eastern provinces later this week.

According to state news agency Xinhua, 26 of the confirmed deaths were linked to the collapse of the Liulan Reservoir dam, where seven people remain unaccounted for.

Floodwaters had largely receded by Wednesday in Liulan village, but homes and streets remained covered in thick mud as residents and emergency crews began recovery operations.

Rescue teams continued efforts to reach isolated communities, using large drones to transport food and other essential supplies to people stranded across the swollen river after floodwaters cut off access.

Earlier this week, state broadcaster CCTV aired footage showing water surging through the collapsed concrete sections of the reservoir dam as rescue workers wearing life jackets carried out operations using inflatable boats.

Residents were seen clearing debris and salvaging damaged belongings from their homes, with some using excavators to remove mud and destroyed household items left behind by the floodwaters.

The floods are part of a broader spell of extreme weather affecting southern and central China, where persistent heavy rainfall has triggered flooding and disrupted communities across several areas.

Authorities continue search and rescue operations for those still missing while recovery efforts are underway in the hardest-hit communities.