Flooding in southern China caused by Tropical Storm Maysak has resulted in 39 fatalities, authorities announced Thursday. The majority of the deaths, 26, occurred due to the breach of a dam in an area east of Nanning, the vice mayor of which, Ding Wei, stated at a news briefing. Nine people remain missing in the broader Guangxi region.
Maysak brought record rainfall to Guangxi beginning Saturday, overwhelming reservoirs and leaving residents stranded for days. The storm dropped cumulative rainfall ranging from 10 to 40 centimeters (4 to 16 inches) in some areas, with hard-hit regions receiving more than 90 centimeters (35 inches).
The reservoir breaches released torrents of water into towns and cities. A large-scale relief and rescue operation involving drones and approximately 5,700 boats is underway. Rescuers are contending with strong currents and debris to reach stranded individuals. Around 130,000 people have been evacuated.
While floodwaters are beginning to recede, additional rain is anticipated in some areas over the next two days, according to Ding. Crews are working to clear mud and debris and disinfect several towns in Hengzhou city, east of Nanning. Road repairs are in progress, and electricity has been restored to over 60,000 homes.
Meanwhile, Typhoon Bavi is forecast to pass near Taiwan, bringing heavy rain to the island, before making landfall on China's east coast in Zhejiang or Fujian province on Saturday.