At least 10 people have died, and 33 are missing after flash floods hit northwestern China‘s Gansu province. The disaster occurred due to continuous heavy rain since August 7, which triggered flash floods and landslides in mountainous areas near the city of Lanzhou. Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered “all-out” rescue operations with “utmost effort” to save the missing people.

According to state broadcaster CCTV, the downpour knocked out power and telecommunications services in the Xinglong mountain area, leaving over 4,000 people stranded across four villages. Xi Jinping emphasized that “the top priority must be to make every possible effort to search for and rescue missing people, relocate and resettle people under threat, minimise casualties, and restore communications and transportation as quickly as possible”.

The president also warned local governments not to succumb to “complacency and carelessness” in light of recent occurrences of extreme weather. China has announced at least 6 billion yuan of funding for disaster relief since April. In response to the disaster, the National Development and Reform Commission allocated 100 million yuan ($13.92 million) to support rescue efforts in Gansu.

Record rainfall has lashed China’s north and south in recent weeks, with meteorologists describing the extreme weather as linked to climate change. Heavy rains and flooding have killed at least 60 people across northern China, including Beijing, since late July. Footage shared by Chinese fire authorities showed rescuers guiding people through rushing grey water in a village, while photos posted by Gansu’s government showed roads covered in silt and large stones.

The Chinese government has been working to strengthen efforts to identify risks and prevent such disasters. Xi Jinping’s call for “all-out” rescue efforts underscores the severity of the situation and the need for immediate action to save lives and prevent further damage.