According to Xinhua News Agency, the flash flood occurred on the afternoon of July 26 at a scenic spot in Weiyuan district, Dingxi city, Gansu province. The floodwaters suddenly flooded through this area after heavy rain, causing casualties to tourists and people present at the scene.
As of 6 pm on July 26, the incident killed 10 people and injured 23 others. The injured have been taken to medical facilities for treatment, while rescue forces continue to search and support those affected.
Immediately after the incident, the National Steering Committee for Flood and Drought Control of China and the Ministry of Emergency Management of China sent a working delegation to Gansu province to direct rescue, relief and disaster recovery efforts.
The Chinese Ministry of Emergency Management said it has activated a level IV flood prevention and control emergency situation throughout Gansu province, and at the same time requested functional forces to strengthen monitoring weather developments, inspect high-risk areas and ensure safety for people.
The flash flood area belongs to the southern mountainous region of Gansu province, which has many natural landscapes such as stone arches, grasslands on high mountains and streams, attracting tourists to visit and camp in the summer.
According to the Ministry of Environment and Forecast (MEM), a total of 305 rescuers with 68 vehicles from national fire and rescue teams are conducting rescue operations at the scene.
The flash flood occurred in the context that many areas in China are facing the risk of heavy rain and floods due to the impact of extreme weather. On the same day, July 26, many localities in southern China were placed on high alert due to the impact of Typhoon Noul causing heavy rain.
Gansu province is outside the area directly affected by Typhoon Noul, but some places in the province still recorded heavy rain, causing local authorities to issue warnings and request people to proactively prevent natural disasters.
