Authorities in the southern region of China reported on Thursday that 39 individuals have lost their lives due to flooding caused by tropical storm Maysak, as Taiwan and the eastern coast of China prepared for another significant storm anticipated to hit in the coming days. The majority of the fatalities were associated with a dam breach in an area situated east of Nanning, claiming 26 lives, as stated by Ding Wei, the vice mayor of the city, during a press conference. Nine individuals are still missing in the wider Guangxi region.
The impact of Maysak brought unprecedented levels of rainfall to Guangxi, starting from Saturday, resulting in the breach of reservoirs and leaving people stranded in their residences and other structures for days. The initial death toll reported was six individuals.
Typhoon Bavi is predicted to pass just north of Taiwan, bringing heavy precipitation to the island with a population of 23 million, and is expected to make landfall in either Zhejiang or Fujian province on Saturday. Authorities in Taiwan have advised residents to stock up on essentials and prepare for potentially the most potent typhoon to hit the island in recent years.
Heavy rainfall relentlessly battered southern Guangxi, with accumulation ranging from 10 to 40 centimetres in certain areas and exceeding 90 centimetres in severely affected regions, as reported by the national meteorological center. The breaches in reservoirs resulted in the rapid flow of water into urban areas.
A large-scale relief and rescue operation, employing drones and approximately 5,700 boats, has been executed to reach individuals stranded by the floods, with rescue teams contending with strong currents and debris in their efforts. Approximately 130,000 individuals have been evacuated.
While Ding mentioned that the floodwaters are gradually receding, there are projections of further rainfall in specific areas over the next 48 hours. Efforts are underway to clear mud and debris, as well as sanitize various towns in the heavily impacted Hengzhou city, located east of Nanning. Ongoing road repairs and the restoration of electricity to over 60,000 households have been reported.
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