Deadly floods, landslides leave nine dead, 11 missing in China PHOTO

At least nine people have been killed and 11 others remain missing after torrential rain triggered flash floods and geological disasters in Yongchuan District, local authorities said on May 25.

The severe rainfall began late on May 23 and continued into May 24, battering parts of Chongqing in southwest China. Officials described the event as a sudden and extreme rainstorm that caused widespread destruction across multiple communities, Caliber.Az reports per Chinese media. 

Emergency rescue and disaster response operations remain ongoing. Authorities said municipal and district-level emergency headquarters have deployed 1,827 rescue personnel to the affected areas.

Anxi Village was among the hardest-hit locations. Rescue teams searched through thick mud and rock debris using life-detection equipment, while heavy machinery including excavators was brought in to clear damaged areas and assist in recovery efforts.

"We are conducting rescue operations via manual searches supported by engineering machinery, to ensure no area is left unsearched," said rescuer Guo Yufei.

Officials said rescue teams are using advanced equipment including 37 remote-controlled excavators and 3D laser scanners to navigate the dangerous terrain.

The disaster zone is characterized by steep hillsides, unstable slopes, and large accumulations of mud and rock near river channels, creating ongoing risks for rescue workers.

Guo said safety measures including drone patrols and close-range monitoring by safety officers were being used “to ensure the rescue work is done safely and efficiently.”

Another rescuer, Yang Zulin, said teams were using slope radar systems to monitor hillside stability in real time.

"If we find that the slope has large deformation or is on the verge of sliding, we will issue an early warning to the site in time to ensure the safety of every rescue worker at the scene," Yang said.

Authorities said more than 2,100 residents from 1,113 households had been relocated as of Monday morning, May 25. A total of 42 temporary resettlement centers with capacity for more than 9,000 people have been established across the district.

At a shelter set up at Shouyong Primary School in Banqiao Town, displaced residents were provided with bottled water, food, and other daily necessities.

Liu Xiaoyan, a staff member at the site, said authorities had ensured affected residents have access to “food, clothing, clean drinking water, safe shelter and medical services.”

By Sabina Mammadli