In a tragic incident, at least 24 people lost their lives after a portion of a highway collapsed due to heavy rains in Guangdong province, southern China.
According to state news agency Xinhua, the collapse occurred between Meizhou City and Dabu County early on Wednesday, trapping 20 vehicles and involving 54 individuals.
The downpours in Guangdong have been unusually severe, leading to flooding and landslides in various areas. The extreme weather has been attributed to accelerating climate change, with rainfall far exceeding typical levels for this time of year.
Rescue efforts are underway, with 30 people receiving emergency care in hospitals. Fortunately, their lives are not currently in danger. Recovery teams are working tirelessly at the site of the collapse, which has left a deep muddy pit where the highway once stood.
Videos circulating on social media depict the aftermath of the collapse, showing wrecked vehicles and flames emanating from the scene. The collapse, reportedly due to a “natural geological disaster,” has prompted a massive response from emergency services, with around 500 personnel involved in the rescue operation.
Authorities have closed part of the S12 highway in both directions, directing drivers to take alternative routes. This incident adds to a series of disasters in Guangdong caused by extreme weather events, including floods and a tornado that recently struck Guangzhou.
Experts warn that the severity of these weather events is linked to intensifying climate change, which has increased the likelihood of heavy rains occurring earlier than usual. China, as the largest emitter of greenhouse gases, has committed to reducing emissions to net zero by 2060.
As recovery efforts continue and the affected communities mourn the loss of lives, attention turns to the need for climate action to mitigate the impact of such disasters in the future.
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