Heavy rains hit central China, leaving 29 people dead and 4 missing

Heavy rain affecting parts of central China this week caused deadly flash floods in which at least 32 people lost their lives.

As reported by state broadcaster CCTV, dozens of tourists were trapped or washed away Sunday night at Duobi Gorge in Hubei Province, after heavy rain caused severe flash flood. 13 people have reportedly died and 61 were rescued.

Authorities said the area, although very popular for boat rides on its crystal-clear waters, did not have right conditions to receive tourists.

In their notice issued last month, county authorities prohibited vehicles and individuals from entering the area, but tourists kept coming with unlicensed guides.

Heavy rain also hit the city of Shiyan and Yunxi County Monday to Tuesday, August 5 and 6, with flash floods damaging 57 houses in a local village.

According to local meteorological office, the city of Shiyan received 170 mm (6.69 inches) of rain between 02:30 and 05:00 LT on August 6, causing deadly flash floods in which another 13 people lost their lives. It was the largest amount of precipitation to hit the area in history, Xinhua said. The rain has also cut off water supplies, power and telecommunications, although traffic has resumed on roads.

Heavy rain was also reported in Shaanxi Province over the past weekend, where 3 people died and 4 went missing. Floods damaged houses and crops and cut off roads, power, water supplies and telecommunications, according to the local government.

Featured image credit: NASA/NOAA Suomi NPP/VIIRS. Acquired August 4, 2019