Search teams in southeastern China have recovered another victim of the rain‑triggered landslides that struck Jiangxi province last weekend, bringing the death toll to 16, state media reported Thursday.
Fatalities spread across three towns
The fatalities occurred in three towns within Suichuan County. A mudslide in Gaoping town accounted for 13 deaths, according to a report from state broadcaster CCTV. Two additional bodies were found in Zuo’an town, and one more in Tanghu town.
Mass evacuations underway
More than 18,000 people have been evacuated from the affected areas of Suichuan County, Xinhua News Agency said. Local authorities continue to shelter displaced residents in temporary facilities while rescue crews assess damage and search for any remaining victims.
Typhoon Saudel’s lingering impact
Typhoon Saudel made landfall twice in Zhejiang province on Aug. 28 and again as a tropical storm in Fujian province on Sept. 3. Although Jiangxi and neighboring Hunan lie inland, the storm’s heavy rains drenched the region for several days, triggering landslides and other hazards.
State media earlier reported two additional deaths in Hunan province linked to the same storm system. While the CCTV report did not specify the exact cause of those deaths, it confirmed that rain‑triggered landslides and related disasters were responsible.
Authorities’ response
Local officials have deployed rescue teams, medical personnel, and emergency supplies to the hardest‑hit towns. The focus remains on locating any missing persons, providing aid to survivors, and restoring basic services such as power and water.
China’s central government has pledged additional resources to support the relief effort, emphasizing the importance of swift action to protect lives and prevent further loss.
Looking ahead
Residents in the region are urged to remain vigilant as the weather system moves inland. Authorities continue to monitor river levels and soil stability, warning that additional landslides could occur if heavy rain persists.
The disaster highlights the ongoing challenges faced by communities in China’s southeastern provinces during the typhoon season, underscoring the need for robust emergency preparedness and rapid response capabilities.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
