Two dead, two missing after torrential rains hit Hunan's Yanling county

Two people have been confirmed dead, and two others remain missing after torrential rains have battered Yanling county in Central China's Hunan province since Aug 29, local authorities said Wednesday.

The extreme downpour, marked by sudden and intense rainfall and elevated disaster risks, has pushed water levels in some areas beyond historical records and triggered flash floods and mudslides in certain regions, according to a statement released by the county's emergency and work safety commission.

As of the latest update, 10 towns across the county have been affected to varying degrees, with a total of 12,512 residents impacted.

Emergency rescue operations are ongoing.