Deadly flooding strikes Baoji: 5 dead, 8 missing

Heavy rainfall in Baoji, Shaanxi province, has resulted in five deaths and another eight people missing as of 6 pm on Thursday. The update was provided by the flood control headquarters in Baoji on Friday and reported by China Central Television.

The city experienced torrential rainfall, with an average precipitation of 89.8 millimeters from 7 am on Tuesday to 10 am on Wednesday. The main urban area witnessed the highest daily rainfall on record. Several rivers in the city exceeded the warning water level, leading to flash floods breaching embankments. Baoji's Weibin district and parts of Fengxian county suffered severe damage, with other areas also affected to varying degrees, the news outlet reported.

According to the headquarters, four national and provincial highways, more than 40 rural roads and 21 bridges have been damaged or cut off.

Following the disaster, Baoji initiated emergency responses and rescue operations. About 17,000 personnel and more than 970 sets of mechanical vehicles have been deployed for rescue efforts. Currently, 7,848 people have been evacuated. Communication and power supply have been restored in most affected areas.

CCTV reported that rescue and relief efforts are still ongoing, and the restoration of public services and daily life is gradually underway.