State television reported that at least 13 people lost their lives and numerous others were reported missing due to heavy rains, floods, and landslides in southern China.
The southeastern Fujian province was particularly affected, with 24 hours of continuous rain impacting around 66,500 residents in Shanghang, according to the Xinhua news agency.
The situation in southern China remains critical. Heavy rainfall is anticipated on Wednesday in Guangxi, Jiangxi, and Zhejiang provinces.
Authorities have issued warnings about an elevated risk of floods, especially in the northern parts of Guangxi and Fujian, which are home to many rivers.
The economic damage in these provinces is already estimated to be in the millions of dollars.
Meanwhile, northern China, including areas around Beijing, is facing a heatwave, with temperatures expected to reach 40 degrees Celsius in some places on Wednesday.
In response to the dual challenges of floods in the south and drought in the north, Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for comprehensive measures to assist those affected.
More than 130,000 households in the Meizhou city and its suburbs were without power as of Monday morning, while classes were suspended.
“Authorities are still trying to reach some towns and villages” in the area, CCTV said.
China has been grappling with extreme weather this month as heavy rainfall inundate the south while severe drought and record temperatures scorch the north.
Last month, flood-related disasters left several dead and missing in 17 provinces across China, according to the Ministry of Emergency Management.
