Tropical Storm Maysak Floods Southern China, Killing 39, Thousands Rescued

Severe flooding triggered by Tropical Storm Maysak has left at least 39 people dead in southern China, with authorities confirming that most of the victims died after a reservoir dam was breached in Hengzhou, a county-level city administered by Nanning in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Officials said 26 deaths were linked directly to the dam breach , while rescue teams continue searching for the missing. Nine people remain unaccounted for.

Maysak brought several days of torrential rain after making landfall in southern China, causing rivers to overflow, reservoirs to overflow and roads, homes and farmland to be submerged. The flooding stranded residents in villages and urban neighborhoods, prompting one of the region's largest emergency responses this year. Authorities said around 130,000 people were evacuated , and thousands of firefighters, soldiers and emergency workers were deployed. Rescue teams used boats and heavy equipment to free trapped residents, including more than 10,000 students and teachers who were cut off by floodwaters.

The disaster also caused unusual secondary emergencies. Floodwaters reportedly swept through snake-breeding farms in Guangxi, leading to the escape of numerous venomous snakes and prompting health warnings and increased antivenom supplies. Damage has also been reported at farms, businesses and even local zoos.

As Guangxi begins recovery efforts, meteorologists are monitoring Typhoon Bavi , which is approaching Taiwan and China's eastern coast and could bring another round of dangerous weather. Chinese authorities have urged local governments to remain on high alert as the country faces an increasingly intense summer storm season.