Written By Lisa Murimi
At least 11 people have died and more than 30 are missing after a highway bridge partially collapsed during torrential rains in northwest China.
The bridge, located over a river in Shaanxi province’s Shangluo city, gave way on Friday night due to sudden downpours and flash floods, according to provincial authorities.
Rescue teams have recovered several vehicles that fell into the river, with ongoing efforts to locate survivors and additional vehicles. Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for an “all out” effort to find those still missing.
The 11 confirmed dead were found in five cars pulled from the river. It is estimated that 20 more vehicles plunged into the water, as reported by state media.
Dramatic video and images from Xinhua news agency show a partially submerged section of the bridge with heavy river waters rushing around it.
In response to the disaster, officials have deployed 736 firefighters, 18 boats, and 32 drones to the scene, according to Xinhua.
The rescue operation continues as authorities strive to find the missing individuals and secure the area.
This incident follows a series of severe weather events in the region.
On Friday, at least five people were killed in flooding and mudslides in another part of Shaanxi province.
Large parts of northern and central China have been battered by heavy rains since Tuesday, causing extensive flooding and significant damage.
State media reported that in addition to the bridge collapse, at least five people died and eight were missing after rains triggered flooding and mudslides in Shaanxi’s Baoji city.
The ongoing severe weather has put immense strain on local infrastructure and emergency response teams, highlighting the challenges posed by natural disasters in the region.
