11 confirmed dead, over 30 missing following highway bridge collapse in Shaanxi Province, China

Sudden downpours and flash flooding caused a highway bridge to partially collapse on July 19, 2024, in China’s Zhashui County, claiming 11 lives. More than 30 people have been reported missing as of July 20.

A highway bridge in Zhashui County, Shaanxi Province, partially collapsed on July 19 due to a sudden downpour and flash floods, leading to the confirmed deaths of 11 people. The bridge, located in Shangluo City, collapsed at approximately 20:40 local time (LT), as reported by local authorities.

As of 10:00 LT on July 20, rescue teams had recovered 5 vehicles from the river beneath the bridge along with the victims inside.

20 other cars are still missing as well as more than 30 people.

Rescue operations are ongoing.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for “all-out rescue and relief efforts to safeguard people’s lives and property.”

Heavy rainfall has caused significant damage and flooding across northern and central China since July 16.

In Shaanxi’s Baoji city, flooding and mudslides have resulted in five deaths and left 8 people missing.

In Henan’s Nanyang city, the equivalent of a year’s worth of rain fell earlier in the week, while in southwestern Sichuan province, flooding has led to 2 deaths and 7 missing persons.

References:

¹ 11 dead after bridge collapses in northwest China – Xinhua– July 20, 2024

² At least 11 people killed, dozens missing in China bridge collapse – Aljazeera – July 20, 2024

Featured image credit: Xinhua