Local authorities in Guangdong province, southern China, have reported that the death toll from a recent highway collapse has climbed to 48.
The incident occurred early Wednesday morning when heavy rainfall caused a significant section of the road connecting Meizhou City to Dabu County to collapse, creating a 60-foot-long chasm that resulted in over 20 vehicles plunging down a steep incline.
The region, known for its dense population and industrial significance, has experienced a series of catastrophic events recently, exacerbated by unusually severe weather conditions linked to climate change.
China, recognized as the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060.
By Thursday afternoon, the count of fatalities had increased from 36 reported earlier in the day, according to Ma Zhengyong, Meizhou’s Communist Party committee secretary, during a news briefing. The figures could rise as DNA testing is pending for three additional people.
The incident also left 30 individuals injured, with one in severe condition, while the rest are reported stable, as stated by Liu Lebin, deputy secretary of Meizhou’s health bureau.
Rescue efforts have been hampered by the ongoing adverse weather, the risk of further collapses, and the difficulty in accessing the numerous vehicles affected.
State broadcaster CCTV showed footage of rescue teams working through the affected area.
Following the disaster, President Xi Jinping has emphasized the importance of intensifying rescue operations, treating the injured, and promptly addressing potential safety risks.
The rescue mission has mobilized over 570 people to assist with the ongoing efforts.
