People Missing, bridges Collapsed in China after Flooding

Beijing, 24 Jun (ONA) --- Days of heavy rainfall have led to severe flooding in China, triggering damage and reports of missing people.

In the south-western province of Guizhou, a highway bridge in Sandu County collapsed following a landslide, state media reported.

In the vicinity of the accident site, rivers burst their banks. Videos circulating online showed brown floodwaters gushing through a shopping centre in Rongjiang County. Chinese state television called it the area's worst flooding in 30 years.

Rescue workers in the north-western province of Gansu were searching for five missing people in Jingyuan County, state media reported. Flash floods had taken people by surprise and left a trail of destruction.

Meteorologists have predicted more rains in the coming days in western, central and eastern China.

While the south is struggling with an excess of water, many people in the north are suffering from extreme heat. In and around Beijing, as well as parts of north-eastern and western China, temperatures reached highs of up to 39 degrees Celsius, according to the weather authority.

Heavy rainfall and flooding regularly affect large parts of the People's Republic of China during the summer months. In the mountainous regions of the south-west, this often triggers mudslides.

This year, at least 22 people have lost their lives nationwide due to storms, floods and mudslides, according to state media.

--- Ends/Khalid