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Torrential Rains Leave More Than 10 Missing in Chongqing’s Yongchuan District

Extraordinary short-duration downpours that dumped nearly 300 mm have prompted a Level-III geological emergency and ongoing search-and-rescue as officials warn higher landslide risk.

Overview

  • An intense overnight rainstorm that hit Yongchuan between late May 23 and May 24 produced extreme short-duration totals of about 297 mm in Guankouwan and 257 mm in Hanjiagou Village and has left more than 10 people unaccounted for.
  • Chongqing authorities raised emergency measures and activated a Level-III response for geological disasters on Sunday, and local departments are conducting active search-and-rescue operations.
  • Separate flooding that began on May 17 in Shimen County, Hunan, has already left at least seven people dead and 14 missing, and rescue teams continue to work in the affected townships.
  • Meteorological agencies say converging moisture and consecutive rounds of heavy rain raise the risk of landslides, collapses and debris flows across the middle and lower Yangtze corridor.
  • Transport, schools and local services have been disrupted by floods and landslides, and officials say residents in vulnerable hilly areas should expect more emergency measures and possible evacuations as rivers and slopes remain unstable.