Authorities in southern China’s Guangxi region reported on Thursday that flooding caused by Tropical Storm Maysak has resulted in 39 deaths. The announcement was made by Nanning’s vice mayor, Ding Wei, who confirmed that a dam breach was responsible for many of the fatalities following days of heavy rainfall.
At a news briefing on July 9, Ding stated that the death toll had risen from a previous report of six. According to the vice mayor, 26 of the 39 deaths occurred after a dam breach near Nanning, the regional capital. In response to the flooding, approximately 130,000 people have been evacuated from the region.
China’s national meteorological center reported that severe rainfall affected southern Guangxi for several days. Cumulative rainfall in some areas reached between 10 to 40 centimeters (4 to 16 inches), with the hardest-hit locations receiving more than 90 centimeters (35 inches).
A large-scale rescue operation is underway, with officials dispatching more than 8,000 people and about 5,700 boats. Rescue teams have been navigating strong currents and debris to reach individuals affected by the floodwaters.
Ding said that while floodwaters are now receding, additional rain is forecast for some areas over the next two days. Recovery efforts are concentrated in heavily impacted areas like Hengzhou, a city east of Nanning. Crews are working to clear mud and debris, disinfect public areas, and repair roads. Electricity has been restored to more than 60,000 homes, according to Ding.
In a separate incident, flooding damaged enclosures at the Guigang Zoo in Guangxi province, allowing at least 100 animals to escape. A statement released Wednesday by the local Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau confirmed the zoo was seeking public assistance to locate the animals.
The missing animals include alpacas, miniature pigs, zebras, two North American raccoons, four porcupines, and 30 peacocks. In the statement, the zoo advised the public that some escaped animals “may be frightened and potentially aggressive.” The public was warned to maintain a safe distance and not to approach or attempt to catch the animals.
