Shanxi, China – At least 12 people have been confirmed dead and more than 30 are missing following the collapse of a bridge in China’s northern province of Shanxi, authorities reported on Friday evening. The incident occurred in Zhanshui County, Shangluo City, amid heavy rains and flash flooding that have devastated the region.
The collapse happened around 10 p.m. local time, causing 17 cars and 8 trucks to plunge into the river below. Rescue operations were launched immediately, and as of 12 p.m. local time (12 a.m. ET) Saturday, efforts to locate and save survivors were ongoing. The national fire and rescue authority has dispatched a substantial team comprising nearly 900 personnel, 90 vehicles, 20 boats, and 41 drones to assist in the search and recovery efforts, according to reports from Reuters.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for comprehensive rescue efforts and emphasized the urgency of flood control measures. “The country is in a critical period for flood control,” President Xi stated, urging local governments to take immediate action to mitigate the disaster’s impact, as reported by local media through Reuters.
The disaster underscores the severe weather conditions plaguing China, with multiple regions grappling with the dual impacts of recent drought and now catastrophic flooding. The provinces affected have seen significant infrastructure damage, and emergency services are stretched thin.
In the neighboring Henan province, more than 100,000 residents have been evacuated from their homes due to flooding, state media reported. The extensive evacuation efforts highlight the severity of the flooding and the urgent need for effective disaster response.
Meanwhile, in the southwestern Sichuan province, flash floods have also wreaked havoc. Over 30 people are reported missing in Hanyuan County after sudden floods hit early Saturday morning, around 2:30 a.m. local time. The local emergency management agency, cited by CCTV, reported significant damage to homes, roads, and bridges.
The bridge collapse and widespread flooding have brought intense scrutiny to China’s infrastructure resilience and disaster preparedness. Authorities are working tirelessly to rescue those affected and prevent further casualties.
Source: CNN
