Authorities in the southern region of China reported on Thursday that 39 individuals have lost their lives due to flooding caused by tropical storm Maysak. Concurrently, Taiwan and the eastern coast of China are preparing for another significant storm set to hit in the following days. The majority of the fatalities were linked to a dam breach in an area east of Nanning, resulting in 26 casualties, as stated by Ding Wei, the vice mayor of the city. In the broader Guangxi region, nine individuals are still missing.
Tropical storm Maysak unleashed unprecedented levels of rainfall in Guangxi since Saturday, leading to reservoir breaches and leaving many individuals stranded in their residences for several days. The initial death toll was reported as six individuals. Typhoon Bavi is anticipated to pass just north of Taiwan, bringing heavy rainfall to the island with a population of 23 million, before making landfall in either Zhejiang or Fujian province on Saturday.
Authorities in Taiwan have advised residents to stock up on essentials and brace themselves for what could potentially be the strongest typhoon to hit the island in years. Torrential rain pounded southern Guangxi for an extended period, with rainfall ranging from 10 to 40 centimeters in some regions and exceeding 90 centimeters in severely affected areas, according to the national meteorological center.
The breaches in reservoirs unleashed torrents of water into urban areas, necessitating a massive relief and rescue operation involving drones and approximately 5,700 boats to reach those trapped by the floodwaters. Despite facing strong currents and debris, rescuers have worked tirelessly to assist individuals in need, resulting in the evacuation of around 130,000 people.
Although the floodwaters are subsiding, further rainfall is anticipated in certain areas over the next two days. Efforts are underway to clear mud and debris, as well as disinfect several towns in the heavily impacted Hengzhou city, located to the east of Nanning. Ongoing road repairs and the restoration of electricity to over 60,000 households have been reported by Ding.