Severe Flooding in Guangxi Region
The impact of Tropical Storm Maysak has been devastating in southern China, leading to the deaths of 39 individuals, primarily due to a dam breach inundating Nanning city. The vice mayor of Nanning, Ding Wei, updated the death toll significantly from an earlier count of six during a press briefing. Record-breaking rainfall overwhelmed reservoirs, resulting in surging floodwaters across various towns and cities in the Guangxi region.
Mass Evacuations and Rescue Efforts
Approximately 130,000 residents have been evacuated from the affected areas. Authorities have deployed thousands of rescue workers, drones, and boats to assist those stranded by the rising waters. The region has experienced relentless rainfall, with some areas receiving between 10 and 40 centimeters (4 to 16 inches) of rain, while the hardest-hit locations have reported over 90 centimeters (35 inches) of precipitation, according to the national meteorological center.
The dam breach in Nanning alone accounted for 26 fatalities. The extensive relief operations involve more than 8,000 personnel and around 5,700 boats, as rescue teams contend with strong currents and debris in their efforts to reach those in need. Although floodwaters are starting to recede, the threat of additional rainfall over the coming days remains a concern.
Reconstruction and Clean-up Efforts
In Hengzhou city, located east of Nanning and part of its jurisdiction, work crews are actively clearing mud and debris while disinfecting impacted areas. Road repairs are underway, and electricity has been restored to over 60,000 homes, Ding Wei reported. The community is striving to return to normalcy, despite the ongoing challenges posed by the weather.
Zoo Animals Escape During Floods
The flooding's impact extended to a wildlife facility in Guangxi province, where at least 100 animals, including alpacas, miniature pigs, and zebras, escaped from Guigang Zoo following damage to their enclosures. The zoo issued an appeal to the public, seeking assistance in locating the missing animals. The escapee list includes “two North American raccoons, four porcupines, and thirty peacocks,” as noted by the local district's Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau.
The zoo advised the public to maintain a safe distance from the animals, cautioning that they might be frightened and potentially aggressive. “Please do not attempt to catch, approach, or tease them, as this could be dangerous,” the statement warned.
The aftermath of Tropical Storm Maysak continues to affect the Guangxi region, with ongoing rescue and recovery efforts aiming to mitigate the storm's impact and ensure the safety of residents.
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