China’s flood death toll rose to 22 on Wednesday after heavy rains hit central and southern provinces, with 20 more people missing, state media reported from Beijing.
The deaths followed record-breaking rainfall across parts of Hunan, Guangxi, Guizhou and Hubei, according to Xinhua and CGTN. Authorities suspended schools and work in several affected areas.
Hunan province reported five deaths and 11 missing, while more than 61,500 people were affected in one county, Xinhua said. Nearly 24,000 people were evacuated across Hunan, Guizhou and Hubei, according to an AFP tally.
In Guangxi, 10 people died after a truck plunged into a swollen river while attempting to cross on Saturday evening, Xinhua reported. AP reported that rescue teams had earlier searched the river after the vehicle fell from a low-water bridge during heavy rainfall.
Guizhou reported four deaths and five missing after heavy rains caused casualties and property losses. Hubei reported three deaths and four missing after floods collapsed structures and cut communications to some villages.
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Chinese authorities allocated 120 million yuan, or about $17.6 million, in disaster relief funds for five affected regions. A further 30 million yuan was allocated for Guizhou, Xinhua reported, citing the National Development and Reform Commission.
Weather forecasts predicted continuous rainfall in the region over the coming days. AP reported that tens of thousands of residents had been relocated amid flooding in several provinces.
