China flood death toll rises to 39 in Guangxi, nine still missing

The death toll from devastating floods in China's southern Guangxi region climbed to 39 on Thursday, as authorities reported nine people remain missing. The extreme weather has battered southern and central China this week, unleashing torrential rains and causing severe flooding in Guangxi.

State media reported that 26 deaths are linked to a dam breach at the Liulan Reservoir, with seven others missing in the affected area. When AFP journalists arrived in Liulan on Wednesday, floodwaters were beginning to recede, but roads and homes were still coated in thick mud. Water from the reservoir continued to flow rapidly through a nearby river.

Rescue teams are utilizing large drones to deliver food and supplies to residents trapped in areas across the Liulan Reservoir. Video footage broadcast by state broadcaster CCTV earlier this week showed powerful currents surging through the collapsed concrete wall of the reservoir dam. Rescue workers in life jackets were seen navigating rubber boats through the deluge.

Residents of Liulan were observed cleaning their flood-damaged homes, with some using excavators to remove ruined belongings. The ongoing recovery efforts highlight the severe impact of the extreme weather event on the region.