China Reservoir Dam Breach After Typhoon Maysak: 4 Dead, 62,000 Evacuated
A reservoir wall in Nanning, a city in southern China's Guangxi region, collapsed on Wednesday after rivers swelled due to heavy rains from Typhoon Maysak, unleashing a torrent of water that has killed at least four people, according to local officials.
The breach occurred as Typhoon Maysak, which made landfall in China earlier this week, brought relentless rainfall, causing rivers to overflow and ultimately leading to the failure of the reservoir structure. More than 62,000 residents have been evacuated from the affected areas as a precautionary measure.
The emergency flood control response has been raised to its highest level, signaling the severity of the situation. Authorities have deployed rescue teams and equipment to assist those stranded and to reinforce other vulnerable structures.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for "all-out efforts" to rescue people affected by the floods across the country. In a statement, he urged local governments to prioritize the safety of residents and ensure timely relief operations.
Weather officials have warned that torrential rains are expected to continue in the coming days, raising concerns about further flooding and potential damage to infrastructure. Residents in low-lying areas have been advised to remain vigilant and follow evacuation orders.
The incident highlights the growing challenges posed by extreme weather events, which scientists link to climate change. China has experienced severe flooding in recent years, with typhoons and monsoon rains causing widespread damage and loss of life.
