Catastrophic flooding in northwest China claims lives of thirteen people
Flash Floods and Mudslides in Gansu Province, China: Death Toll Rises to 13, 30 Still Missing
The aftermath of the flash floods and mudslides in Gansu province, China, continues to unfold, with the latest information reporting at least 13 people have died and 30 remain missing as of August 11, 2025.
The devastating floods were triggered by torrential rains starting on Thursday evening and severely impacted Yuzhong County in Lanzhou City. As a result, nearly 10,000 residents have been relocated, and about 4,000 people were stranded due to the floods.
Initial reports from August 8-9 indicated the death toll was at least 10, with 33 people missing. However, the situation has worsened over subsequent days, with the number of missing people now listed as 30.
The floods caused widespread destruction, including the destruction of hundreds of houses, damage to more than 100 kilometers of roads, the destruction of five bridges, and power and telecommunications outages across multiple towns and villages in Gansu. The heavy rainfall reached up to 195 millimeters (7.7 inches) in some areas.
Rescue efforts have been urgent, with Chinese President Xi Jinping calling for all-out rescue and flood prevention operations. The flooding and landslides have engulfed villages near Xinglong Mountain, disrupting infrastructure and leaving thousands trapped or displaced.
Beijing's top economic planner has allocated 100 million yuan (US$14 million) towards disaster relief in Gansu. Thousands more have been evacuated, and hundreds of people have been rescued.
Despite the ongoing rescue efforts, the situation remains complex due to mud, rough roads, and cut telephone lines and electricity. State media reported that 4,000 people were trapped in the mountainous Xinglong area.
The floods and mudslides are common natural disasters in China, particularly in the summer. Some regions in China experience heavy rain during the summer, while others bake in searing heat. Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for the "utmost effort" in rescuing missing people.
This reflects the most up-to-date and verified data from August 2025. The death toll from flash floods and mudslides in northwest China remains a sombre reminder of the destructive power of nature. Our thoughts are with the affected communities during this difficult time.
Environmental scientists are investigating the impact of the heavy rainfall on the local ecosystems in Gansu Province, China, as the death toll from flash floods and mudslides reaches 13 and 30 remain missing. Despite the ongoing rescue efforts, the weather remains a significant factor in the safety and accessibility of the affected areas.
