World · Singapore Bureau
Death toll from southern China floods climbs to 159
Severe flooding across southern China in July has claimed 159 lives, with a dam breach at Guangxi's Liulan Reservoir accounting for 26 of the fatalities. The disaster has underscored the region's vulnerability to extreme weather events.
LSN Singapore ·
Flooding across southern China during July has resulted in at least 159 deaths, authorities confirmed, marking one of the deadliest weather-related incidents in the region this year. The catastrophic flooding ravaged multiple provinces, displacing thousands of residents and causing extensive damage to infrastructure and agricultural areas.
A significant portion of the casualties stemmed from a breach at Liulan Reservoir in Guangxi, which claimed 26 lives. The dam failure triggered a cascade of water downstream, affecting populated areas and forcing emergency evacuations. Rescue operations in the aftermath focused on locating missing persons and assisting displaced communities.
The flooding underscores growing concerns about disaster preparedness in southern China, where heavy seasonal rains combine with aging infrastructure to create heightened risks. Authorities have called for enhanced monitoring of reservoirs and improved early warning systems to mitigate future disasters. Regional officials have also pledged to strengthen embankments and drainage systems in vulnerable areas.