39 killed in southern China flooding; Typhoon Bavi approaches

Southern China is grappling with the devastating aftermath of Tropical Storm Maysak, which unleashed heavy rainfall, causing widespread flooding and claiming 39 lives. In Hengzhou, the partial collapse of a reservoir dam exacerbated the disaster, sending torrents of water through the city and directly causing 26 deaths, according to Nanning city vice mayor Ding Wei. Nine people remain missing across the broader Guangxi region.

Maysak brought record rainfall to Guangxi starting Saturday, overwhelming reservoirs and leaving residents stranded in their homes and buildings for days. The death toll, previously reported as six on Tuesday, has tragically risen significantly. In Guigang city, military rescue teams evacuated over 10,000 students and teachers trapped in school buildings surrounded by muddy floodwaters. State broadcaster CCTV showed dramatic scenes of students being ferried away in boats.

The flooding also led to unusual consequences, including escaped animals. A zoo in Guigang reported over 100 animals missing, including zebras and porcupines. In Hengzhou, authorities advised residents on snakebite precautions due to snakes escaping from a farm, prompting a rush for antivenom. An animal shelter operator in Binyang county worked to rescue about 200 cats and dozens of dogs from rising waters.

As southern China deals with Maysak's devastation, a second storm, Typhoon Bavi, is on a path toward the country's east coast and Taiwan. Although downgraded from super-typhoon strength, Bavi still carries maximum sustained winds of 114 miles per hour. Taiwan has seen fishing boats packed into northern ports in anticipation of heavy rain, while several cities and towns in the Philippines suspended classes and prohibited ships from leaving northern ports as the typhoon passed to the east.

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Most of the deaths were in Hengzhou, where the partial collapse of a reservoir dam sent torrents of water into the city and claimed 26 lives.