Severe flooding in central and southern China results in multiple deaths

Heavy rainfall across central and southern China has caused widespread flooding, resulting in at least 22 confirmed deaths and 20 missing persons. State media reports vary on provincial casualties, with the Hunan province reporting five deaths and 11 missing, and Guizhou province recording four deaths and five missing. In Guangxi province, a vehicle incident involving a flooded river resulted in between six and 10 fatalities depending on the source report. Additional deaths occurred in Hubei province, where three people died in flash floods. The extreme weather led to the suspension of schools, business operations, and transportation networks in affected regions. Over 61,500 residents have been affected in parts of Hunan. Authorities have initiated emergency response protocols, including evacuations, as weather warnings remain in effect for provinces including Jiangxi, Anhui, Hubei, and Guangxi.