A bridge in China’s northern province of Shaanxi collapsed due to flash floods resulting in the deaths of at least 15 people. Rescue operations continue as authorities work to locate missing persons and ensure the safety of the affected area.
Also Read: World’s Rarest Spade-Toothed Whale Washes Ashore in New Zealand
The bridge over a river in Shangluo collapsed around 8.40pm on Friday. The collapse was attributed to a sudden downpour and flash floods.
Nearly 20 vehicles and more than 30 people were reported missing following the collapse. CCTV reported that 15 victims were found inside five vehicles that had been recovered from the river.
At least 25 vehicles were reported to have fallen off the bridge following its collapse. By Sunday evening authorities confirmed the deaths of 15 people.
Rescue efforts are ongoing with many people still unaccounted for as of Monday morning.
The national fire and rescue authority has mobilized a massive response, including, 1,630 personnel, 205 vehicles and 63 boats.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping has called for all-out rescue efforts and urged local authorities to remain vigilant against hazards.
Neighboring Henan province is also struggling with flooding making the evacuation of over 100,000 residents.
In Sichuan province, a separate flash flood has resulted in over 10 deaths with 29 individuals still missing.
The region has been experiencing rains and landslides for weeks with the flood season arriving two months earlier than usual this year.
The heavy rains have caused damage to infrastructure, including homes, roads and bridges.
Also Read: Fossil Chromosomes from Woolly Mammoth Discovered in 52,000-Year-Old Freeze Dried Skin
President Xi Jinping called for rescue efforts to locate the missing individuals. Rescue operations included deploying 736 firefighters, 18 boats and 32 drones to the site.
Large portions of northern and central China have been experiencing heavy rains since Tuesday leading to flooding and damage.
In Shaanxi’s Baoji city, at least five people were killed and eight were missing due to flooding and mudslides.
Henan’s Nanyang city experienced a year’s worth of rain in just a few days. In Sichuan province, two people died and seven went missing due to landslides triggered by heavy rains.
Over 800 emergency workers along with boats, drones and earth-moving equipment have been deployed to the scene. Rescue workers have been working to find survivors and recover vehicles from the river.
This disaster is the second major infrastructure failure in China within three months.
In May, a highway in southern China collapsed after days of rain resulting in 48 fatalities. Earlier in July, a tornado hit eastern China, killing one, injuring 79 and causing damage.
China’s economic development over the past 40 years has led to a expansion of infrastructure including roads, bridges and rail networks.
A local farmer from Xing Ping village described hearing the bridge collapse and saw cars falling into the river.
Also Read: Nepal Landslide: Over 60 People Missing After Buses Swept into River
