China: 20 killed, 8 missing as heavy rains trigger flood
Twenty people were killed and eight others went missing as torrential rains triggered floods in northwest China. Over 8,700 houses, farmland, roads, railway lines, and power and telecommunication facilities were damaged in the floods that have wreaked havoc in China since early this week. In one hour, rainfall reached 110 mm, while the previous highest recorded level was only 52.4 mm in Hami city.
Floods triggered a partial breach of a reservoir
While 20 people died this week in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, eight remained missing after heavy downpours hit Qincheng Township in Hami on July 31. The floods triggered a partial breach of a reservoir, as the floodwater flowing into the reservoir reached 1,848 cubic meters/second, tripling the maximum of 537 cubic meters/second designed to withstand the worst flood in 300 years.
Over 5,500 evacuated; 3,000 govt officials deployed for rescue
Meanwhile, over 5,500 people have been evacuated and provided with tents, daily necessities, and medical treatment in temporary relocation sites. More than 3,000 people, including government officials, soldiers, and medical staff, have been deployed so far for the relief and rescue operations.
