Typhoon Saudel Rains Trigger Landslides, 16 Killed in China’s Jiangxi

Search and rescue teams in southeastern China have recovered another body from rain-triggered landslides in Jiangxi province, taking the death toll in the affected area to 16, state media reported Thursday.

The casualties were reported from three towns in Suichuan County, where days of torrential rain following Typhoon Saudel caused landslides and other weather-related disasters.

State broadcaster CCTV said 13 people were killed in a mudslide in Gaoping town, while two others died in Zuo’an town and one in Tanghu town. Authorities have continued search and rescue operations in affected areas while taking steps to guard against further landslides and related hazards.

The Gaoping disaster occurred in Mingkeng Village, where a major mudslide struck after prolonged rainfall. More than 30,000 cubic metres of debris were involved, damaging 12 houses, eight of which were completely destroyed, according to local reports.

The disaster also disrupted roads as well as power and communication links, complicating rescue and relief operations.

More than 18,000 people have been evacuated across Suichuan County as authorities respond to the damage and work to reduce risks from secondary geological disasters.

The impact of the storm has extended beyond Jiangxi. Two people were also killed in neighbouring Hunan province following heavy rains associated with Saudel, taking the reported combined death toll in Jiangxi and Hunan to at least 18.

Typhoon Saudel made two landfalls in Zhejiang province on August 28 before making a third landfall in Fujian province on September 3 as a tropical storm. The inland provinces of Jiangxi and Hunan subsequently experienced heavy rainfall linked to the weather system.

Authorities remain on alert as rescue teams assess damage and monitor vulnerable areas for additional landslides and flooding.