Authorities in the southern region of China reported that 39 individuals have lost their lives due to flooding caused by tropical storm Maysak, while Taiwan and the east coast of China are preparing for another significant storm anticipated to hit soon. The majority of fatalities were linked to a dam breach in an area east of Nanning, resulting in 26 casualties as confirmed by Ding Wei, the vice mayor of the city. Nine individuals are still unaccounted for in the wider Guangxi region.
Tropical storm Maysak brought unprecedented levels of rainfall to Guangxi starting last Saturday, leading to the overflow of reservoirs and leaving people stranded in their residences for several days. The initial death toll of six has since risen. Typhoon Bavi is expected to skirt just north of Taiwan, bringing heavy precipitation to the island with a population of 23 million, before making landfall in either Zhejiang or Fujian province come Saturday.
Authorities in Taiwan have advised residents to stockpile essentials and prepare for what could be the most intense typhoon to impact the island in recent years. Southern Guangxi endured days of heavy rainfall, with some areas receiving between 10 to 40 centimeters of rain and over 90 centimeters in severely affected zones, according to the national meteorological center.
The breaches in reservoirs unleashed torrents of water into urban areas, prompting a massive relief and rescue operation utilizing drones and approximately 5,700 boats to reach individuals trapped by the deluge. Despite challenges posed by strong currents and debris, rescuers have managed to evacuate around 130,000 people. Although the floodwaters are receding, further rainfall is anticipated in certain areas over the next 48 hours. Cleanup efforts are underway, with crews dispatched to clear mud, debris, and disinfect towns in the hard-hit city of Hengzhou, under the jurisdiction of Nanning. Road repairs are in progress, and electricity has been reinstated to over 60,000 households.