Landslide, Dam Break, Snake Escape: China's Death Toll Rises After Storms

China is grappling with a series of devastating weather events, including a deadly landslide, a major dam breach, and a destructive tornado, which have claimed numerous lives and displaced thousands.

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After a landslide in northwestern China, the death toll has risen to 21.

In the northwestern province of Gansu, a landslide near Longnan city buried 33 people, with authorities confirming 21 fatalities. Only 12 survived, seven of whom were injured. This disaster occurred amidst widespread severe weather that has affected large parts of China since the weekend.

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In the province, the dam of a reservoir broke near the metropolis of Nanning, flooding the city of about 900,000 inhabitants.

Further south, in Guangxi province, torrential rains from a tropical storm caused a reservoir dam to break near Hengzhou, a city of approximately 900,000 residents. The resulting floodwaters submerged the city, leading to at least six deaths and prompting the evacuation of around 130,000 people. Adding to the chaos, reports indicate that hundreds of snakes, some venomous, escaped from a breeding facility due to the flooding, prompting residents to organize capture efforts.

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Some of the snakes that escaped on Monday are venomous.

Meanwhile, a tornado tore through several towns in the central province of Hubei on Monday, leaving a trail of destruction, particularly in Huanggang. At least eleven people died in the tornado's path. Authorities are continuing cleanup operations. The persistent heavy rainfall has swollen many rivers, creating acute flood risks across southern and central China, with warnings of further heavy downpours issued for several eastern and northeastern provinces. Additionally, parts of East Asia are preparing for Super Typhoon Bavi, which is moving across the Western Pacific towards Taiwan and China.

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At least eleven people died during the severe weather in Hubei.