Authorities in the southern region of China reported on Thursday that 39 individuals lost their lives due to flooding caused by tropical storm Maysak, while Taiwan and the east coast of China prepared for another significant storm anticipated to hit in the next few days. The majority of fatalities were linked to the breach of a dam in an area east of Nanning, resulting in 26 casualties, as disclosed by Ding Wei, the vice mayor of the city, during a press conference. Additionally, nine individuals are still unaccounted for in the wider Guangxi region.
Tropical storm Maysak brought unprecedented levels of rainfall to Guangxi from Saturday onwards, leading to the overflow of reservoirs and trapping people in residences and other structures for days. The initial death toll announced was six individuals. Typhoon Bavi is expected to skirt just north of Taiwan, bringing heavy precipitation to the island with a population of 23 million, before making landfall in either Zhejiang or Fujian province on Saturday.
Authorities in Taiwan advised residents to stock up on essentials and prepare for potentially the most potent typhoon to hit the island in recent years. The southern region of Guangxi experienced relentless heavy rainfall over several days, with accumulations ranging from 10 to 40 centimeters in certain areas and exceeding 90 centimeters in severely impacted zones, as per the national meteorological center.
The breaches in reservoirs unleashed torrents of water into urban areas. A massive relief and rescue effort involved the deployment of drones and approximately 5,700 boats to access individuals stranded by the floods, with rescue teams contending with strong currents and debris to reach those in need. Around 130,000 people have been evacuated to safety.
While Ding mentioned that the floodwaters are subsiding, there are projections of further rainfall in specific regions over the next 48 hours. Efforts are underway to eliminate mud and debris, as well as sanitize various localities in the heavily affected city of Hengzhou, situated east of Nanning under its jurisdiction. Repair work on roads is in progress, and electricity has been reinstated in over 60,000 households, as stated by Ding.