At least 9 dead, 11 missing after extreme rainfall hits Chongqing, southwestern China
Deadly floods triggered by an intense overnight rainstorm killed at least nine people and left 11 missing in Chongqing Municipality, in southwestern China, after nearly 300 mm (11.7 inches) of rain fell within two hours in parts of Yongchuan District.
Deadly floods in Chongqing, China on May 24, 2026. Credit: Yangyubin1998
At least nine people were killed, and 11 remain missing after deadly floods struck Yongchuan District in Chongqing Municipality, China, on May 24.
The flooding was triggered by an extreme rainstorm that affected Yongchuan from the night of May 23 into May 24, according to state-run media agency Xinhua. Two additional people were also reported missing in Beibei District.
Heavy rainfall affected 22 districts and counties across Chongqing, while water levels on 22 rivers exceeded warning thresholds, according to Chongqing’s hydrological monitoring station.
“Starting from 14:00 local time (LT) on May 24, Chongqing has adjusted Yongchuan District to a Level-I flood control emergency response at the municipal level, 29 districts and counties, such as Rongchang District and Beibei District, to a Level-II response, and nine districts and counties, including Yuzhong District, to a Level-III response,” the Chongqing flood control and drought relief headquarters said.
The Chashanzhuhai subdistrict in Yongchuan District recorded 296.6 mm (11.7 inches) of rainfall between 02:00 and 04:00 LT on May 24, with a peak hourly rainfall intensity of 103.6 mm (4.1 inches), according to the on-site command headquarters for flood control and rescue operations.
In Xinglong Town, Beibei District, rainfall reached 122.9 mm (4.8 inches) between 00:00 and 03:00 LT on May 24, with a maximum hourly rainfall intensity of 59.4 mm (2.3 inches), according to the district’s emergency management bureau.
The China National Commission for Disaster Reduction activated a Level-IV emergency response for floods and geological disasters in Chongqing on May 24.
The Ministry of Emergency Management said a work team had been dispatched to the affected areas to assess conditions and support local disaster relief operations, including efforts to ensure the basic living needs of affected residents.
References:
1 9 dead, 11 missing after heavy rain lashes SW China’s Chongqing – Xinhua – May 25, 2026
2 3 dead, 19 missing after heavy rain lashes SW China’s Chongqing – Xinhua – May 24, 2026
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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