China bridge collapse claims 11 lives amid heavy floods VIDEO

At least 11 people have lost their lives, and more than 30 others are missing following the partial collapse of a highway bridge during severe flooding in northwest China.

The bridge, located over a river in Shangluo city, Shaanxi province, collapsed late on July 19 night amid heavy rains and flash floods, Caliber.Az reports via Chinese media.

Rescue operations have recovered several vehicles submerged in the river, with ongoing efforts to locate missing individuals, according to official sources.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for an intensive search and rescue operation to locate those still unaccounted for.

The 11 fatalities were discovered inside five submerged vehicles retrieved from the river. Reports suggest approximately 20 vehicles may have plunged into the water, as indicated by state media.

Footage and photos from local media depict a section of the bridge submerged in rushing river waters.

Authorities deployed 736 firefighters, 18 boats, and 32 drones to aid in rescue efforts at the scene.

Separately, on Friday, heavy rains triggered flooding and mudslides in another area of Shaanxi province, resulting in the deaths of at least five individuals and leaving eight others missing, according to state media.

Since Tuesday, extensive regions of northern and central China have been ravaged by relentless rainfall, causing widespread flooding and significant destruction.