Beijing: Torrential rains in central China over the past few days have resulted in the deaths of 30 people, with dozens reported missing.
The rainfall this week was triggered by Typhoon Gemi, which originated from the Philippines and Taiwan and hit eastern China a week ago.
According to China’s state news agency, a record 645 millimeters (25 inches) of rainfall was recorded in the past 24 hours, leading to the evacuation of more than 11,000 people from Zixing city to safer locations.
In the Zixing area, numerous roads and bridges connecting small villages have been swept away by floodwaters, and the electricity supply and communications infrastructure have also been affected.
Meteorological officials in China stated that July was the hottest month recorded in six decades.
It is noteworthy that China is the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases, which scientists say is causing climate change and resulting in more frequent and severe extreme weather events.