Flash flood in Gansu kills 25, injures 23

The death toll from a flash flood that struck a popular tourist area in northwestern China has risen to 25, with 23 others injured, authorities announced on August 2. The disaster occurred on July 26 in the Shuangshimen scenic area of Weiyuan County, Gansu Province, a mountainous region known for its natural stone arches and alpine meadows.

Torrential rainfall upstream triggered a sudden surge of water through a narrow valley gorge around 2:00 p.m. local time, catching tourists and campers by surprise. The floodwaters swept away tents, vehicles, and other property, leaving the riverbed choked with debris and overturned cars. Initial reports had put the death toll at 10, but rescue operations and assessments over the following week revealed a more severe impact, with 174 people ultimately rescued from the area.

In response to the disaster, the National Commission for Disaster Prevention, Reduction and Relief has ordered provincial authorities to conduct a full investigation into the incident and improve emergency response measures. The announcement comes as China grapples with a severe summer of extreme weather. In July alone, separate storms and flooding in Hubei and Guangxi...