Flash Floods Kill 10, Leave 33 Missing in Northwestern China

Continuous heavy rains since August 7 have caused flash floods in northwestern China's Gansu province, resulting in at least 10 deaths and 33 missing persons, with over 4,000 people stranded across four villages due to power and telecommunications outages. Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered maximum rescue efforts and urged all regions to overcome complacency amid the frequent occurrence of extreme weather, emphasizing the need to strengthen risk identification and flood prevention measures. Footage and photos from local authorities depict rescuers guiding villagers through rushing floodwaters and roads covered with silt and large stones, highlighting the severe impact on the region's infrastructure. This disaster follows recent heavy rains in northern Beijing that killed 44 people, underscoring China's vulnerability to natural disasters exacerbated by climate change. As the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases, China faces increased extreme weather events but is also a leader in renewable energy, aiming to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. These events reflect the broader challenges China faces balancing economic growth, climate change mitigation, and disaster management.