Devastating Rains in Southeast China Claim Lives

Heavy rains from Tropical Storm Gaemi have led to the deaths of at least 30 people, with 35 others missing in southeastern China. The storm has caused widespread flooding, mudslides, and devastation in Hunan province, prompting urgent rescue and recovery efforts. Critical infrastructure is being restored amid ongoing search operations.

At least 30 people have died and 35 others are missing in southeastern China following days of relentless rain linked to Tropical Storm Gaemi, state media reported Thursday.

The death toll surged dramatically from an earlier count of four fatalities in Zixing, a city in Hunan province. Moreover, a mudslide precipitated by the same storm claimed 15 lives on Sunday in another area of Hunan.

Earlier this week, state broadcaster CCTV aired footage of helicopters airlifting relief supplies to the severely inundated regions of Zixing.

By midday Thursday, authorities had largely restored roadways, electricity, and communications in the city's eight hardest-hit townships, according to state media.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang, visiting flood-stricken villages in Zixing, called for exhaustive efforts to locate the missing as search and rescue missions persist.

The prolonged torrential rains were triggered by Tropical Storm Gaemi, which struck China with typhoon force late last week, the official Xinhua News Agency reported.

To date, 48 fatalities have been confirmed, all in Hunan. The bodies of three more individuals, presumed victims of a mudslide, were discovered Monday in Chenzhou city.

Tropical Storm Gaemi also drenched northeastern China and North Korea, causing the Yalu River to overflow. Significant flooding was reported in the Chinese border city of Dandong and parts of North Korea.

(With inputs from agencies.)